Serving Earth with the Heart of Heaven
By Dean Collins
Over the last 20 years, I have made somewhere between 20 and 25 visits to our nation’s capital. None of these visits were for sight-seeing, though there are wonderful museums to explore in Washington D.C. On every one of my visits, my purpose was to meet with members of Congress in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. In nearly every visit, I have met with members from both sides of the political aisle. My purpose was always to advocate for either students in need, for the people on other continents in dire need of medical services, or for countries that have food scarcity or lack of clean water.
Over the years, I have met with members as well as key staff members. And in nearly every visit, I have asked if it would be okay for me to offer a prayer for the member and for their staff. I have never been told no.
As I celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, I am thankful that our government structure and our Constitution both allow and encourage citizens to meet with those who represent us. I have always been welcomed and had healthy dialogue with members of both parties. I have also had the privilege of coaching college students to make visits to their respective members so that our government leaders can hear directly and learn what is working and not working in many different areas.
While I am grateful that my US citizenship grants me this privilege, I also go as one whose citizenship in heaven compels me to go. In the book of Philippians, Paul, who was a Roman citizen, made clear that his and our citizenship is in heaven, and we await our Savior, the Lord Jesus to transform us and to subject all things to himself. Paul also reminds us that as followers of Christ, we are to live our lives in a manner that is worthy of the gospel of Christ. As Christ transforms us, we become more like Jesus and our values and our actions reflect the kingdom of God above all else.
Both Jesus and Paul, in various ways, encouraged followers of Christ to live as good citizens, being subject to the earthly governments where they lived. Jesus also warned that we cannot serve two masters. We may be dual citizens of the USA and the kingdom of God, but our loyalty and primary allegiance is first and always to Jesus and his kingdom.
As we celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary, we can first thank God for allowing us to be citizens of a country where we have the freedom to speak to our leaders on behalf of those in need. And then, as citizens of heaven, may we represent Christ’s kingdom better by not shouting and fighting with others on social media and at the dinner table and simply pray more for the Spirit of God to move in the hearts and minds of our leaders and in every citizen of the US, so that Christ would be known not only here but throughout the nations.
Father, we are grateful for the wisdom and leaders who founded our country. Today, we declare our first allegiance to you as our Savior and Lord. Transform us to be better citizens of heaven so that we might represent you wherever you call us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Philippians 1:27, 3:20-21; Acts 16:35-40; Matthew 6:24 ESV
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