Immanuel Bulletin Series:
Despite some world opinion to the contrary, it is a great blessing to be a citizen of the United States. As a child of God, you have a citizenship that exceeds the citizenship of any country on earth. “Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). Although we claim a heavenly citizenship through the work of Jesus, we are still pilgrims on this earth and also temporary citizens of an earthly nation. God’s Word provides counsel to you, His child, as you live as a citizen of Heaven on earth.
The government of our country exists by God’s will. The government is God’s servant and His representative to maintain civil order in our country. God says through the Apostle Paul, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God…the [governing authority] is God’s servant to you for good…” (Romans 13:1,4).
The Apostle Paul reminds us to pray for those who are serving in earthly governments because we have an interest in how they rule. “I exhort you…that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 2:1-4). When earthly governments rule well the citizens enjoy a peaceable life and have many opportunities to freely spread the Gospel. As the Gospel is spread it brings salvation to sinners and thereby accomplishes God’s will. Old Testament history repeatedly demonstrates how the nation of Israel was blessed by the rule of a good king and how the land suffered at the hands of poor leadership.
When the Children of Israel chose their leaders, they were instructed by God to “choose wise, understanding, and knowledgeable men from among your tribes….” (Deuteronomy 1:13). The tribal leaders of that time were the earthly government through whom God provided civic order. God provides civic order for us through our government. His direction to choose wise, understanding, and knowledgeable leaders applies to us today. In our system of government we enjoy the privilege of being involved in the choice of leaders through the election process.
As children of God who understand God’s purpose for government we will rightly take an interest in our government. We demonstrate this interest by exercising our privilege to participate in it. The child of God’s interest in government will not always lead him to serve in a government position. However, we also participate in our government by being honorable citizens of our country and exercising our right to vote. Do not let Satan tempt you into believing that your role as a citizen of the United States is unimportant, hopeless, or of no consequence. Children of God praying for their government and exercising their privileges as citizens make a difference! Children of God are the salt of the earth (cf. Matthew 5:13) and shining lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation (cf. Philippians 2:14-15). To be lethargic about the leadership and government of our land is to be lethargic about God’s appointed authority. May it never be so among us!
Faithful citizens of the heavenly country are the most valuable citizens of earthly nations. Faithful citizens in Christ’s Kingdom serve their Lord and not themselves (cf. Colossians 3:23-24). Faithful citizens of Christ’s kingdom seek to show love to their neighbor (cf. Matthew 22:39) and are led by the light of God’s Word (cf. Psalm 119:105). Peter encouraged his readers, “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men” (1 Peter 2:13-14). When we are honorable earthly citizens reflecting our heavenly citizenship we become lights and witnesses to our Savior. What a privilege we have to be able to serve our Savior in this way!