I hesitated before writing down the first thing that came into my mind because it seemed so…well, a Sunday School rote answer: Heaven(of course) (Phil. 3:20 “But our citizenship is in Heaven…”). However, that seemed so “in the sweet by and by”, something to look forward to when I die, streets of gold, eternal worship, etc. As I reflected further, I realized that I am a citizen of the Kingdom of God, right here and now. Well, practically speaking, what does that mean in my everyday life? Britannica weighs in: “[Citizenship is a] relationship between an individual and a state to which the individual owes allegiance and in turn is entitled to its protection. Citizenship implies the status of freedom with accompanying responsibilities.” So, what are the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in God’s Kingdom? First and foremost, I have the responsibility to be involved in expanding that Kingdom here on earth- the primary purpose of my life.
Then, perhaps a helpful, concrete, practical place to continue is by comparing and aligning spiritual citizenship with national citizenship.
Support and defend the Constitution, obey the laws of the nation. Well, let’s replace “constitution” with the Bible. All of my actions, behavior, thoughts must reflect and align with God’s Word. God has spoken what He expects of His “constituents” and it is my responsibility to listen and follow. Unlike most of us who know very little of what is in our constitution, it is my responsibility to actually read and understand what is in the Bible- and obey the “laws” (love God, love others) contained within. To be ready and unafraid to defend and share scriptural perspectives appropriately with others when opportunities arise.
Stay informed of issues in my [spiritual] community. This means that I intentionally research theological perspectives and conflicting views in my church community. What do I believe should be my Biblical response to the hard issues that are dividing church communities today: LGBTQ rights, abortion, separation of church and state, worship style (will that one ever go away?). This also means that I listen respectfully to opposing opinions, work to find common ground, be open-minded to hear what others are saying, and above all, to act, speak, and accept in unconditional love. Because I enjoy dual citizenship (Heaven and the US), I believe it is also critical to stay informed of local, state, and national issues and to advocate for justice, to work to extend the Kingdom of God on earth: “The Lord has told us what is right and what He demands: ‘See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God’”. “Love your neighbor as yourself”. (Easier said than done- to be honest, I am personally finding this duality of citizenship difficult and challenging to navigate lovingly in the present climate of hate and vitriol within our country.)
Participate in the democratic process. It’s important to take an active role in the ministry of my church community. That means voting in leadership elections and then agreeing to accept and follow their leadership in their role as God’s representatives. I think it also requires a commitment to my local fellowship; I am saddened by the number of parishioners who hop from church to church when conflicts arise. “Make every efort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Eph. 4:3
Be involved in making life better for the common good. Be engaged. Be an active citizen. I have gifts and it is my responsibility to find where those gifts can be used- and then use them for the expansion of God’s Kingdom, both within and outside of my church. In regard to citizenship in God’s Kingdom, I am one of the elect and thus owe total allegiance to the head of the Kingdom, God.
Pay income tax to support the running of the nation. OK, not income tax, but I do think that a responsibility mandated for citizens of the Kingdom of God is to tithe and give gifts for the expansion of the Kingdom. I need to contribute to the benefits I enjoy in my church and to God’s work outside of the church.
Ensure inclusivity and diversity. Unfortunately, we are seeing an ugly backlash in our nation against diversity and inclusivity, to the detriment of the thriving of our country. This cannot be reflected in God’s Kingdom. Jesus proved throughout His ministry that everyone was invited to come into His Kingdom; no sin was too great, status and background were immaterial, the poor, wounded, disabled, marginalized were all welcomed, and former enemies of the Kingdom were able to join without punishment or condemnation (just ask Paul). “Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and is in all” Col. 3:11.
“Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” Being a citizen of God’s Kingdom means that I experience an abundant life; I can find fulfillment and peace living under the righteous, just, graft-free reign of God, the supreme leader. I am protected because God is in control of all the other kingdoms of the world and He has the final victory. This fact allows me to experience freedom from fear, anxiety, and worry about the global chaos around me. “Though an army encamps against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.” Psalm 27:3. I experience liberty- freedom from the power of sin and condemnation, freedom from the tyranny of man made laws. As I live in harmony with God’s will, I enjoy all the benefits and privileges of full citizenship in the very best kingdom, a perfect kingdom ruled by a perfect, loving, benevolent, gracious, all powerful God. But, finally, what about the pursuit of personal happiness? This cannot be a primary objective or motivation in God’s Kingdom, though joy will no doubt be a by-product of good citizenship. I must, instead, pursue a deepening relationship with and trust in God, as well as develop loving relationships with those around me; this, then, will enable me to help others to thrive and will expand the Kingdom of God. And that is just what a good citizen does.
— cmshingle
Then, perhaps a helpful, concrete, practical place to continue is by comparing and aligning spiritual citizenship with national citizenship.
Support and defend the Constitution, obey the laws of the nation. Well, let’s replace “constitution” with the Bible. All of my actions, behavior, thoughts must reflect and align with God’s Word. God has spoken what He expects of His “constituents” and it is my responsibility to listen and follow. Unlike most of us who know very little of what is in our constitution, it is my responsibility to actually read and understand what is in the Bible- and obey the “laws” (love God, love others) contained within. To be ready and unafraid to defend and share scriptural perspectives appropriately with others when opportunities arise.
Stay informed of issues in my [spiritual] community. This means that I intentionally research theological perspectives and conflicting views in my church community. What do I believe should be my Biblical response to the hard issues that are dividing church communities today: LGBTQ rights, abortion, separation of church and state, worship style (will that one ever go away?). This also means that I listen respectfully to opposing opinions, work to find common ground, be open-minded to hear what others are saying, and above all, to act, speak, and accept in unconditional love. Because I enjoy dual citizenship (Heaven and the US), I believe it is also critical to stay informed of local, state, and national issues and to advocate for justice, to work to extend the Kingdom of God on earth: “The Lord has told us what is right and what He demands: ‘See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God’”. “Love your neighbor as yourself”. (Easier said than done- to be honest, I am personally finding this duality of citizenship difficult and challenging to navigate lovingly in the present climate of hate and vitriol within our country.)
Participate in the democratic process. It’s important to take an active role in the ministry of my church community. That means voting in leadership elections and then agreeing to accept and follow their leadership in their role as God’s representatives. I think it also requires a commitment to my local fellowship; I am saddened by the number of parishioners who hop from church to church when conflicts arise. “Make every efort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Eph. 4:3
Be involved in making life better for the common good. Be engaged. Be an active citizen. I have gifts and it is my responsibility to find where those gifts can be used- and then use them for the expansion of God’s Kingdom, both within and outside of my church. In regard to citizenship in God’s Kingdom, I am one of the elect and thus owe total allegiance to the head of the Kingdom, God.
Pay income tax to support the running of the nation. OK, not income tax, but I do think that a responsibility mandated for citizens of the Kingdom of God is to tithe and give gifts for the expansion of the Kingdom. I need to contribute to the benefits I enjoy in my church and to God’s work outside of the church.
Ensure inclusivity and diversity. Unfortunately, we are seeing an ugly backlash in our nation against diversity and inclusivity, to the detriment of the thriving of our country. This cannot be reflected in God’s Kingdom. Jesus proved throughout His ministry that everyone was invited to come into His Kingdom; no sin was too great, status and background were immaterial, the poor, wounded, disabled, marginalized were all welcomed, and former enemies of the Kingdom were able to join without punishment or condemnation (just ask Paul). “Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and is in all” Col. 3:11.
“Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” Being a citizen of God’s Kingdom means that I experience an abundant life; I can find fulfillment and peace living under the righteous, just, graft-free reign of God, the supreme leader. I am protected because God is in control of all the other kingdoms of the world and He has the final victory. This fact allows me to experience freedom from fear, anxiety, and worry about the global chaos around me. “Though an army encamps against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.” Psalm 27:3. I experience liberty- freedom from the power of sin and condemnation, freedom from the tyranny of man made laws. As I live in harmony with God’s will, I enjoy all the benefits and privileges of full citizenship in the very best kingdom, a perfect kingdom ruled by a perfect, loving, benevolent, gracious, all powerful God. But, finally, what about the pursuit of personal happiness? This cannot be a primary objective or motivation in God’s Kingdom, though joy will no doubt be a by-product of good citizenship. I must, instead, pursue a deepening relationship with and trust in God, as well as develop loving relationships with those around me; this, then, will enable me to help others to thrive and will expand the Kingdom of God. And that is just what a good citizen does.
— cmshingle
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