In, But Not Of: A Guide to Christian Ambition and a Desire to Influence the World
“In a liberal democracy, power, authority, and influence go only to those who seek them.”
Should a Christian seek power and influence in the world? Or is it wrong for humble Christian men and women to desire, plan, strategize, and passionately pursue powerful roles in society, culture, and government? Is ambition for social and political recognition to gain the ability to direct policy that shapes tomorrow an acceptable Christian pursuit?
In his book In, But Not Of, Hugh Hewitt argues that these pursuits are not only God-honoring but that our time in history demands Christians in these types of positions. In his view, "Christians of appropriate ability should seek these positions and should use them to protect and extend religious liberty.” Hewitt is quick to recognize that not all Christians will agree.
The book’s title is based on John 17:14-17 where Jesus states the following prayer over his disciples before he goes to Calvary:
“I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
Was Jesus' intent to commission the disciples toward political and strategic cultural positions of influence in this passage? Unlikely. However, is there the implication for future Christians to act morally separate for the world while intentionally seeking involvement in the heartbeat of the world's centers of influence? Quite possibly. Without next-generation Christians in positions of power, authority, and influence, Hewitt argues Christian liberty in America remains in jeopardy. With the ever-increasing open departure from historically perceived notions of morality based on religious conviction, Hewitt may just be right.
In, But Not Of, offers 48 chapters of wisdom gleaned from years of Emmy award-winning PBS news shows, national radio broadcasts, law professorship, law practice, columnist for the Washington Examiner, Reagan Administration service, and personal work alongside Richard Nixon during his retirement.
Within these 48 engaging and refreshingly blunt chapters are Hewitt’s advice to Christians aspiring to positions of power, authority, and influence in American society. He addresses both aspiring youth and seasoned professionals to pursue godly ambition to influence the next generation. The following are several pieces of advice that stuck with me.
1. Either a Player or a Pastor Be—But you Can’t be Both
“Generally you can choose to rise within the world of the church or within the world of the world. But not both. It will confuse you. It will confuse the faithful. And it will be singularly ineffective in influencing the world.”
As an enthusiastic dabbler, this statement both bothers me and convicts me. But I appreciate Hewitt candidly calling people to choose. If you are going to be a pastor, then be a pastor. Do not seek to be a politician, for in doing so, you will likely fail in both pursuits.
2. Unless you Own the Company, You can be Replaced
“No one is indispensable.”
Humility. Hewitt advises Christians seeking God-honoring positions of power and influence to execute genuine, honest humility. Realize that no matter how high up the political or corporate ladder you climb, someone can always kick you off. Therefore, execute humility. Not only is it commanded of you in scripture, but it might just save your career and keep you on the path to protecting religious liberty.
3. Chose a Church, and Join it—Genuinely
“Most of the chapters of this book are encouragements on how to pile up worldly influence for the benefit of the church and Christ. A prerequisite to success in that effort is abandoning yourself to a congregation of God’s people.”
Notice the intentional language of "prerequisite" that Hewitt uses. Church involvement and membership is not a moralistic ritual to beef up a social or physical resume—it is a God-ordained activity that provides a mandatory check and balance to genuine God-honoring Christian ambition. As wise men once wrote, "The truth is that all men having power ought to be mistrusted.” And thus, accountability and submission to godly accountability in the church are critical to those Christians seeking influence.
For more information regarding Hugh Hewitt and his book In, But Not Of, see his website www.HughHewitt.com.
