In the twenty-second chapter of the book of Acts, the Apostle Paul asserts his Roman citizenship to the centurion who is about to have him whipped. Paul was a possessor of dual citizenship. Not only was he a citizen of Israel, but Paul was born with Roman citizenship. His Roman citizenship afforded him certain privileges. A Roman citizen could not be whipped, particularly one who has not even been tried. As people of God, we are possessors of dual citizenship. We are citizens of the United States of America, and most importantly, we are citizens of the Kingdom of the most high God. We should have the appropriate fidelity to each. They are not mutually exclusive, but rather, to be a Christian is to concern oneself with good government. Jesus said we should “render therefore under Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)
We have just experienced a very contentious election. One that reflected a tremendous lack of civility. As Christians, and citizens of the Kingdom of God, we understand what the Apostle Paul is saying in Galatians 5:15: “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” One thing that has been troubling to this Pastor is that many who profess to be Christians are as contentious, are as less civil, are as mean as the most brittle politician. Too, often, even Christians, are bogged down ideologically and they fail to understand. “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Galatians 5:14)
The elections are now over. However, Dear Ones, please remember we have dual citizenship. I am reminding us that we must function in each venue. Christians bring to our society a virtue that Jesus has ordained: “Ye are the salt of the earth,” “Ye are the light of the world.” Ideologues are more concerned with “Red, Blue, Democrats, Republicans,” Christians should be more concerned with “What is best for the people.”
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son.” God’s great love for people must be our love for people.
Pastor J. Amos Jones
