In the 19th century Karl Marx and Frederick Engels presented their strategy for producing the ideal society. It begins by the workers overthrowing the merchant class (“bourgeoisie”), by force if necessary. The workers then confiscate all the private property of the merchants and others. At the end of chapter two of the Communist Manifesto Marx and Engels claim this will lead to a society where “the free development of each is the condition for the free development of all.”
Of course we object to their strategy but their goal wasn’t that far from what Christians hope for. We too await the day when everyone will be free to use the gifts God gave them. It seems God has put this desire for the ideal society into the hearts of humans so that we instinctively know it is the proper destiny for humanity.
Thus, this desire for the ideal society is still alive. In the 1960’s U. S. President Johnson presented a series of proposals to help the less fortunate Americans and achieve a “Great Society.” A few years ago Senator Bernie Sanders galvanized many young voters by preaching a better society through a type of socialism that included holding corporations more responsible.
Those who still think we can create the ideal society often advocate some kind of socialism where human moral responsibility is downplayed. Usually it involves some form of socialism and class conflict; some large group becomes the scapegoat. Whatever objections we might have to such plans it seems like they are ultimately motivated by the instinct that this world should be an ideal society.
Jesus said the same thing. He came to give good news to the poor, sight to the blind and set the oppressed free (Luke 4:18). Moreover, in the next life all things will be new and pure, and there will be no more tears, death, mourning, crying or pain, (Rev. 21:4).
“Jesus said the same thing. He came to give good news to the poor, sight to the blind and set the oppressed free.”
When we are with an unbeliever who is talking about changing society for the better we don’t need to object to what they say, even though we disagree with their methods. Instead, we can say that we want an ideal society too. We want a world without poverty and suffering. We want a world where everyone is loved and respected. We want a world where everyone is free to develop their gifts.
But then we can say that Jesus promised he will definitely make that the ideal society happen. It is going to happen, and he invites everyone to be a part of it. Anyone can be part of his movement for a better world. And he begins by changing the individual heart because we can’t have an ideal world unless human hearts are changed. Jesus gives us a new heart, which makes it possible to be citizens of his new world.
The sad news is that everyone gets to choose if they want to participate or not and many choose not to. Thus, until Jesus brings his new world we do what we can to improve and bless society, but we realize it can’t be perfect until the only citizens are those with new hearts. This will happen after Jesus returns. Until then we are the lights of the world and the body of believers are the beginnings of the new world coming.
When the ideal society comes we will live in a world that is beyond everything that any unbeliever could even dream. It is better than what Karl Marx or any socialist could hope for. And it is certain to happen and it is open to all who accept Jesus’ invitation.
How often do you look forward to God’s ideal society? Does this future society encourage you now? Is there anyone you know who talks about changing the world, but doesn’t know about Jesus’ promise of an ideal society? Can you have a conversation with them?
