A HIGHER CITIZENSHIP

                As I am writing this, people are streaming by my office door to vote in the 2016 General Election. As citizens of the United States of America, it is our duty to participate in the democratic process. The results of this election will affect all of our lives. Whatever the outcome, we have a responsibility to respond in a civil, respectable manner.

                As followers of Jesus Christ, we have a higher and far more important loyalty. We are citizens of the Kingdom of God. This citizenship also includes certain duties and responsibilities. The way that we fulfill these responsibilities will affect our lives for the present and for eternity. So here are a few implications of our dual citizenship.

                We must always remember that we are citizens of God’s Kingdom, which supersedes all other citizenships.  But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Philip. 3:20-21

                We must place our citizenship in God’s Kingdom ahead of any earthly citizenship. When the values of our earthly citizenship collide with our heavenly citizenship, we must choose to follow Christ. When the Apostles were threatened by the leaders of their community, they chose to stand with Christ, rather than bow to the pressure. Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." Acts 4:18-20    

  

                We have a responsibility to submit to the authority of those God allows to be in leadership over us. We live in a combative world. Instead of cooperating with one another for a higher goal, we tend to compete with one another for power. This year’s election process unmasked the ugly side of the democratic process. Yet God is in control of those who are in control, so we must submit to their authority. Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. Romans 13:1-5

                We are to actively pray for those who are in authority over us. When Paul instructed the church to support those in authority, Nero was on the throne, actively persecuting Christians. Yet, Paul instructed the church to take all of these secular leaders before the throne of God. We need to do the same thing. The most powerful tool we have to change our government and our world is fervent prayer.    I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim. 2:1-4

                We are to be the best citizens that we can be, without compromising our faith. Sometimes we are tempted to just withdraw from society and not be an active part of what is going on. We take a passive-aggressive approach to life. But the Bible doesn’t give us the option to sit on the side-lines and criticize. We are to be full participants in the life of our community and nation. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Romans 13:7 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2:12    

                We are to put our hope in that which is eternal and not in what is temporary. We have heard much about the negative consequences of whichever candidate is elected as the next President. There is much fear and anxiety from both sides of the aisle. Yet as Christians, we need to keep our perspective. Our hope should never be in a political party or in a national government. Our hope is in the Lord and in Him alone. All political parties, governments and nations will pass away, but the Kingdom of God will prevail. We indeed may face some new hardships because of the outcome of this election, yet we can take heart. This is not the end of the story. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Cor. 4:16-18

                By the time you read this, the election may be over. But whatever the outcome, remember that God is in control of those who are in control!