Citizens of the Kingdom

Mea e ‘ai e tatau ma le aso

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,…” 2 Corinthians 5:20

As the world watch’s the chaos unfold in Egypt, the impact of which undoubtedly will shape the future world order as we know it.  There post an important question to Christians in the dilemma that tests our spiritual commitment, as citizens of our perspective countries, when put into similar situation. 

What kind of earthly citizens does God expect us to be?

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14,)

Christians are required to be responsible earthly citizens. As God’s people, we are foreigners on earth because our real home is in heaven. Still we have to cooperate with the authorities and be responsible citizens. An ambassador to another country keeps the local laws in order to represent well the government whom he represents.

We are Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). Therefore, we must be good ambassadors for His Heavenly government.  Are you being a good foreign ambassador for him to this world?

Paul lists five benefits God gives all believers through Christ: (1) he made us qualified to share his inheritance (see also 2 Corinthians 5:21); (2) he rescued us from Satan’s dominion of darkness and made us his children (see also 2:15); (3) he brought us into his eternal kingdom (see also Ephesians 1:5-6); (4) he redeemed us—bought our freedom from sin and judgment (see also Hebrews 9:12); and (5) he forgave all our sins (see also Ephesians 1:7). Thank God for what you have received in Christ.

 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. (Romans 13:1, NIV)

Christians understand Romans 13 in different ways. All Christians agree that we are to live at peace with the state as long as the state allows us to live by our religious convictions. For hundreds of years, however, there have been at least three interpretations of how we are to do this.

(1) Some Christians believe that the state is so corrupt that Christians should have as little to do with it as possible. Although they should be good citizens as long as they can do so without compromising their beliefs, they should not work for the government, vote, or serve in the military.

(2) Others believe that God has given the state authority in certain areas and the church authority in others. Christians can be loyal to both and can work for either. They should not, however, confuse the two. In this view, church and state are concerned with two totally different spheres—the spiritual and the physical—and thus complement each other but do not work together.

(3) Still others believe that Christians have a responsibility to make the state better. They can do this politically, by electing Christian or other high-principled leaders. They can also do this morally, by serving as an influence for good in society. In this view, church and state ideally work together for the good of all.

None of these views advocate rebelling against or refusing to obey the government’s laws or regulations unless they clearly require you to violate the moral standards revealed by God. Wherever we find ourselves we must be responsible citizens as well as responsible Christians. 

When you are put amongst the chaos of earthly matters that challenges your Christian faith, Jesus says in (John 14:27) “… my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Ia manuia,

failauga p. anoa’i