Patriotism to the Kingdom of God

When I was a child I remember every morning having to put my hand over my heart and pledging allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Having had the opportunity to travel overseas, I am proud to be an American. I realized while in that foreign county that I was NOT in the USA anymore. I was a stranger in a strange land. The customs were different. And although some spoke my language, some did not. Some things in the country I visited were different, and other things were comfortably familiar. I held a passport on me that indicated I was a citizen of another country and was visiting. The country visited was NOT my home.

In my attempt to live out my life for Jesus, I am reminded of this same fact. That although I reside in the USA, I am a resident of the Kingdom of God. I am a stranger and a pilgrim traveling through this land. It ultimately is not my home. And as much as I appreciate the freedoms and luxuries that are available to me. I am pledged to a different government.

It disturbs  me when we lower Jesus to the level of our politics. I cringe when I see bumper stickers or memes that talk about ‘Jesus was a liberal.’ Or ‘Jesus was a democrat.’ Or when we discuss the republican party and equate that with evangelicals because there are a few planks of a political platform that some Christians feel that they can align themselves. It cheapens who Jesus is. It indicates to me that there is a clear sign that we do not see him as the King of Kings. The one who will rule with a “rod of Iron”.

The reality is that the foreign policy of my government is very clear.

And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.
Dan 2:44,45

God is not here to take sides. He is here to take over.

When he is done, there will just be the Kingdom of God—period. Let that sink in. Now again I’m grateful that I reside in a temporal political system that allows me the opportunity to voice my opinion and influence decision making. But if decisions about the economy, marriage, war and peace, do not go my way I am not concerned. Because ultimately I am a foreigner here and my responsibility to my kingdom is clear.

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: Matt 28:18

Ultimately, my purpose here is not to make legislation—it is to make disciples. When is the last time you sought to expand your government’s foreign policy?  Perhaps some of the concern that we Christians have with policy issues that run counter to us, should examine how much we are influencing culture through our failure to simply go and make disciples.

Ultimately, our purpose is not to make support or finance legislation—it is to make disciples. When’s the last time you sought to expand your governments foreign policy?

Something to think about.

 

D

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