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.
7 comments:
WORD!
OK - You said tell you you're an idiot - YOU'RE AN IDIOT! (Just kidding)...
Great stuff - made me think of all the outrage we hear in our country when foreigners don't want to learn our language, want to have special days when they parade around waving their flags (not ours), and seem to want us to conform to their ways instead of becoming Americans.
So are we so different in God's kingdom - we want the blessing of citizenship without the responsibilities that go along with it. The responsibilities you laid out so well...
Great stuff!
good piece bro. i'm constantly in discussions trying to express the same things you just said. just wanted to drop in and say hello.
peace
wow. this is dope.
absolutely man.
I couldn't agree more. Patriotism is a nice limiting feeling that people use to justify actions which quite often, are not remotely biblical.
Christianity is radically altering the values of this world--nationalism, sexism, racism, selfishness--and adopting a new value that being that ALL humans are equally loved by a God who has already died for them.
Finally got a chance to drop in and must say, "Glad I did!" A nice start on what I hope is an opportunity to share, discuss and enlighten on Kingdom matters and other matters. Of course, you've already put it well that He is all that matters.
As regards government, here's a word of caution to anyone who would squander time, talent or trust in government instead of placing their hope and faith in God. It comes from some guy named Voltaire and reminds us that only in Christ can perfect peace be found because,
"It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong."
Keep the Faith!
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