Today we went to the department of home land security and John was sworn in as a US citizen. While this is exciting to many, he doesn't seem to really be excite about too many things- including this. Maybe he doesn't fully comprehend what went on, maybe he just doesn't care too much about it and maybe he doesn't realize all the implications right now. Maybe I can draw a parallel with some other things.
We, those born in America, often take our own citizenship for granted. Who will defend America's borders? Who will speak up when everyone else is against us? Who will fight for religious freedoms when it is not popular? Who will stand up against killing unborn children when many look the other way? US citizens. You and I are supposed to do the work. With citizenship come privilege and responsibility; they go hand in hand.
Though John doesn't really understand the impact of his new earthly citizenship many of us are in a similar situation when it comes to our Heavenly citizenship. We quickly adopt the language and mannerisms of those who call themselves Christians but lack the commitment to carry out the responsibilities.
When it comes to the defense of our faith, who will be those who are the soldiers? Who will be the ones to speak out against sin, even when it is not politically correct? Who will defend the fatherless and widows? Who will raise the next generation to do the same? We want the comforts of "fire insurance" but leave the responsibilities to others. We want the promises of Scripture without the persecution.
Are we the ones who dole out Truth without love? Are we ready to fight the sin but love the sinner? Are we ready to contend for the faith without being contentious?
The saying goes that "You can tell the success of a nation by the amount of people who are trying to get in and by the effort of those who are trying to leave". The US has no earthly equal when it comes to people trying to get in. The Kingdom of Heaven has no equal when it comes to the forces of evil trying to keep people out. Satan has a master plan for border patrol and it includes many good things and many evil, but as citizens of Heaven we must be convinced and convincing in our love for our true Home.
How are we doing in our promotion of our Homeland? Are people convinced of the value Heaven by how excited we are to be citizens? Or do we just love the privileges and not take the responsibilities seriously?
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