Rules for Reformers

by Douglas Wilson

When it comes to the matter of giving and receiving honor, it is important to remember the proverb. “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; A stranger, and not thine own lips” (Prov. 27:2).

And, incidentally, if you are interested in the grace of God transforming individuals, families, neighborhoods, churches, communities, cities, cultures, nations, and the world, then you are interested in reformation.

Most revolutionaries have what Billington described as a “fire in the minds of men,” but some are willing to go for the slow burn. More than just simple patience is required to distinguish a revolutionary from a reformer.

1. Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever.

2. Always remember the distinction between principles and methods.

3. Reformers are conservatives, which means they must prefer the concrete to the abstract.

4. Reformers must cultivate a high sense of humor.

We need reformers, not another round of bossy-pantses.

5. Reformers must be combative.

The adversary fights back, and they know how to fight back. Not only that, but because this is a battle between good and evil, and you are fighting for the good (right?), the other side gets to cheat, and you don’t.

6. Reformers must play the long game.

We don’t have to see the larger end to perform our part in that larger end.

7. Reformers must remember always that religion shapes culture, and culture trumps politics.