Recently, I came across a great picture and quote, attributed to John Chrysostom, an archbishop of Constantinople who lived in the mid 300s…
It’s a beautiful thought that appeals to my own personal sensibilities. I am a Christian. By stating that, I have told you everything you need to know about me. I have told you what country it is to which I pledge my allegiance (the Kingdom of Jesus). I have told you my profession that occupies my waking hours (I serve and love). I have told you who my family is (brethren all over the world, all who have submitted to King Jesus).
We’re two weeks away from the midterm elections, and it’s always important for God’s people to remember where their loyalties ultimately lie. While John Chrysostom says he belongs to no city on earth, I would argue the Christian holds a kind of “dual citizenship.” We don’t choose what country it is we’re born into (and, sometimes, what cities we move to) but we still live there. We must abide by the laws of the land in which we live. We must obey the ruler who holds power over us in this world. And yet, we only do so because our primary Ruler compels us to. We obey this land down here because we obey our King up there. If our land down here orders us to do something that violates our obedience to the King up there, we disregard the land down here.
Whether you plan on voting or not, remember that there will be a ruler or rulers placed over you through the framework of the US and State Constitution. Obey them as you can, but remember you are a Christian, that means you belong—primarily—to the heavenly Jerusalem, and you pledge allegiance to the Christ above.
~ Matthew