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Dueling Citizenships

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Philippians 3:20-21

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.

CONSIDER THIS

But our citizenship is in heaven. 

I once heard an unusual message from Gary Haugen, the head of the International Justice Mission. I expected to hear a talk on child slavery or genocide or sex trafficking—areas where he has provided heroic service around the world. Instead he spoke on citizenship. His basic message: our most powerful asset is our American citizenship. He made a compelling case for the great power we possessed as individuals simply by virtue of our United States citizenship and of the responsibility we bear to steward it with great care. I honestly had never thought about it before. I assumed it, taking the benefits, powers, privileges, and responsibilities for granted.

Paul would have felt this way about his Roman citizenship. As America is now, so Rome was in his day—the most powerful nation on earth. Phillipi was a Roman colony which would have been a big deal to its residents. They would have stood and beamed with great pride as the ancient equivalent of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” came over the loudspeakers.

I love America. I think its the greatest nation on earth . . .

But our citizenship is in heaven. 

All the followers of Jesus have dual citizenship. The question we must ask ourselves is: Which citizenship will be primary for me? Am I an American Christian or will I be a Christian American? See the difference? I love America, but the longer I live, the more I realize that in order to really love America, I need to love Jesus more.

The greatest power in my possession and my greatest stewardship is not my American citizenship (though I value this). It is my citizenship in heaven.

But our citizenship is in heaven.

I love the way Paul puts this in Hebrews 11:

People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one.Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. (vv. 14-16)

THE PRAYER

Abba Father, we thank you for your Son, Jesus, who is the King of heaven and earth. He is Lord. Sift our commitments and order our loyalties. We want to be a real Christian. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen.

THE QUESTIONS

  1. American Christian or Christian American—what’s the difference?
  2. Why does it matter?
  3. How do you steward your American citizenship (if you are an American)? How do you steward your heavenly citizenship?

For the Awakening,
J.D. Walt
Sower-in-Chief
seedbed.com

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WHAT IS THIS? Wake-Up Call is a daily encouragement to shake off the slumber of our busy lives and turn our eyes toward Jesus. Each morning our community gathers around a Scripture, a reflection, a prayer, and a few short questions, inviting us to reorient our lives around the love of Jesus that transforms our hearts, homes, churches, and cities.

Comments and Discussion

One Response

  1. The difference between American Christian and Christian American is one of priority in commitment. We should possess a commitment to King Jesus over all other commitments. The kingdom of God is eternal, the USA, as great a nation that it is, remains a kingdom of this world and as such it may one day fall. We are to use whatever advantage we have as Citizens of America to advance the the kingdom of God. Christ reminds us in his priestly prayer in John 17 that we are in the world but not to be of it. Once again, I don’t believe we can do this without the power of the in dwelling Holy Spirit, the finger of God.

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