In Matthew’s gospel, the church is to be the light of the world, a city on a hill (5.13-16); i.e., a contrast society living now in anticipation of the pronounced blessings of Jesus in the Beatitudes (5.3-12). The kingdom of God is near; hence the church embodies its vision while being transformed by its reality. The church proclaims and lives according to the anticipated restoration of God’s Shalom by waiting on God to put things in the right rather than enforcing it through violence (10.7f.). Disciples of Christ in community with holistic intentionality pay attention to Jesus’ teaching and story, realizing that they spell out the character that befits kingdom living. Over time, followers of Christ’s teaching and story are transformed in character and heart; i.e., they gain a practical force in the wider society. Stanley Hauerwas likens the church to a kiln which hardens us into a visible and resilient Christian character that “both collides with and resists the worldly powers that dominate our lives”. This visible character includes visible practices that are sustained by virtues which make it possible to overcome adversity from the wider world of powers which appear as temptations, dangers, hardships, and distractions. Matthew’s vision is clear; the kingdom of God transforms everything. This is certainly good news to the gentle cynic!
In Matthew’s gospel, the church is to be the light of the world, a city on a hill (5.13-16); i.e., a contrast society living now in anticipation of the pronounced blessings of Jesus in the Beatitudes (5.3-12). The 
