Recently a friend of mine told me that she was upset at her pastor, and that she hadn’t attended Sunday service for a couple of weeks. When I asked her why, she explained to me that on July 4th some of the parishioners wanted to put red, white, and blue decorations on the communion table to remind the people to pray for our troops and thank God for the USA . The Pastor denied this request, saying that it sent a mixed message. I agree.
Jesus is not an American. He is neither conservative nor liberal. He is King and Lord of all! His kingdom is not of this world. As citizens of His kingdom, we must never elevate an earthly empire to the level of Heaven in our hearts. When we are “born again” as citizens of God’s kingdom our patriotism must change to reflect our new nation. Our brothers and sisters are those who do the will of God, and these siblings are scattered throughout the globe. In Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither Republican nor Democrat, neither Independent nor Communist. There are only royal subjects, kings, priests, and ambassadors of God’s great kingdom.
I am grateful for the freedoms I have as a US citizen, and I show my gratitude by using those freedoms to further God’s kingdom. As a Heavenly patriot I fight on my knees and struggle against the powers and principalities of this world. I study our constitution (The Holy Bible) so that I am ready with an answer when anyone inquires about the reason for my hope. Most importantly, I always try my best to honor my king in word and deed, never taking for granted the sacrifice that made my citizenship possible.
Jesus is not an American. He is neither conservative nor liberal. He is King and Lord of all! His kingdom is not of this world. As citizens of His kingdom, we must never elevate an earthly empire to the level of Heaven in our hearts. When we are “born again” as citizens of God’s kingdom our patriotism must change to reflect our new nation. Our brothers and sisters are those who do the will of God, and these siblings are scattered throughout the globe. In Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither Republican nor Democrat, neither Independent nor Communist. There are only royal subjects, kings, priests, and ambassadors of God’s great kingdom.
I am grateful for the freedoms I have as a US citizen, and I show my gratitude by using those freedoms to further God’s kingdom. As a Heavenly patriot I fight on my knees and struggle against the powers and principalities of this world. I study our constitution (The Holy Bible) so that I am ready with an answer when anyone inquires about the reason for my hope. Most importantly, I always try my best to honor my king in word and deed, never taking for granted the sacrifice that made my citizenship possible.
As we approach another presidential election here in the US, we must continue to seek first the kingdom of God. Because the causes of America are not the causes of God's kingdom, we must remember that "the hope that we cling to" is Jesus Christ and eternity with Him, and nothing less.
