In four places in the New Testament we are told that we are first and foremost people of the kingdom.
Ephesians 2:19 Therefore you are no longer outsiders (exiles, migrants, and aliens, excluded from the rights of citizens), but you now share citizenship with the saints (God’s own people, consecrated and set apart for Himself); and you belong to God’s [own] household.
Philippians 1:27 Only be sure as citizens so to conduct yourselves [that] your manner of life [will be] worthy of the good news (the Gospel) of Christ, so that whether I [do] come and see you or am absent, I may hear this of you: that you are standing firm in united spirit and purpose, striving side by side and contending with a single mind for the faith of the glad tidings (the Gospel).
Philippians 3:20 But we are citizens of the state (commonwealth, homeland) which is in heaven, and from it also we earnestly and patiently await [the coming of] the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [as] Savior,
Hebrews 12:23 And to the church (assembly) of the Firstborn who are registered [as citizens] in heaven, and to the God Who is Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous (the redeemed in heaven) who have been made perfect,
Of course, we are still to be good citizens of whatever earthly nation we are from, which is also made clear in scripture. For example, we should prayerfully and intelligently research the issues and then vote in the upcoming election. Being a citizen of heaven does not mean we don't participate in the activities of earthly citizenship.
What does being a citizen of God's kingdom mean for us? (Join me for the rest of this post on Sunday, October 16th, at Woman to Woman Ministries where each Sunday I share a bit of Sunday Soul Food!)
still following,
Also happily linking up with the lovely
Elizabeth, your post speaks to our current time with wisdom. As Christians we need to pray, speak kindly to each other and display the love of Christ.
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts and a great photo.
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