Dual citizenship: Heaven and Earth
By FRED R. MARTIN, Youth Pastor, Ottawa Bible Church
|
|
The turning of the calendar to January has brought not only a new year but the beginning of primary season.
It seems a bit odd that we as a nation become so engrossed in the political process when we have such a low opinion of politicians. And, it would appear, that we have had that low opinion for a long time. H.L. Mencken wrote, “Looking for an honest politician is like looking for an ethical burglar.” Mark Twain was equally disdainful when he said, “There is no distinctly native American criminal class except Congress.”
Involvement in the political process can be intimidating and may present even more problems for those who have trusted in Christ. The follower of Christ has a dual citizenship, one that is temporary and worldly, the other eternal and Godly.
Sometimes they are in conflict. It is tempting to dismiss the temporary and worldly as unworthy and only concentrate on the eternal. Jesus seemed to think otherwise, consider his prayer for his disciples in John 17:15, “I do not ask You to take them out of the world but to keep them from the evil one.” It would appear that Jesus intended for his followers to live out their heavenly citizenship in the context of their earthly one.
Along with all citizens, God’s people in the United States have been granted the privilege of participating in the political process by voting and running for office. Our heavenly citizenship, however, carries with it some other responsibilities.
In an era when most believers had no voice in the political process 1 Peter 2:17 says, “Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the King.” And 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.”
Personally, I have to admit that praying and showing respect for elected officials, especially the ones for whom I did not vote, seems a little mundane. The rapid decline of the once stable nation of Kenya into violence and anarchy serves to remind me of its importance. Until Jesus returns to set up His Kingdom we must live in this one.
|
|
