11-Jan: The Citizenship Challenge
Yesterday in services we mentioned that a Christian’s citizenship is in heaven (See: Phil 3:20). We also mentioned that with any citizenship comes both responsibility and expectation as we live out our commitment and loyalty to our allegiance, which in this case is to Jesus Christ. The challenge was to ask ourselves whether or not we are truly committed and loyal to what we say we are. In fact, the consequences or implications of not being truly committed are huge! First, the personal implications are that we will not have the peace that comes from Christ. We will carry huge burdens and bear the shame of our actions unless we truly repent. Second, our families will see our shame and will suffer as our witness is poor and unbecoming of our calling. Finally, those outside the church who wonder whether God is real and whether Christ is true will look at us as – hypocrites and not see the power of the Gospel. Paul told the Philippians that “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” (Phil 1:27) Well, many of us – including myself – have failed in our witness and expectations as citizens of heaven at times we need to take our citizenship more seriously.
It’s time to begin to stand up for what we believe. It is time to begin picking up the pieces, repent and move forward. I don’t know where you stand in your walk with Christ but if you know the Savior of the World then I challenge you to take pride in your citizenship. It is all of God’s doing so I am not asking you to take pride in your abilities, but rather in the God who calls you a citizen – a son or daughter in Christ. Stand with me and let’s live out our salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12). ~ In Christ, bill.
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