Dual Citizenship
Theme of the Week: Two Worlds, One Lord
Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler
Monday, July 5, 2004
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Key Bible Verse: But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives (Philippians 3:20). Bonus Reading:Philippians 3:17—21
As Christians, we have dual citizenship in two different kingdoms with two sets of standards. Unfortunately in some cases we find the standards diametrically opposed. Romans 13:1 states, "Obey the government, for God is the one who put it there." But in Acts 5:29, Peter declares, "We must obey God rather than human authority." These verses instruct us to be law-abiding citizens of our country so long as the law doesn't contradict the greater law of God. What should we do when government policies oppose Christian values?
- Get involved locally. We are most effective when in relationship with both our allies and our opponents.
- Pray for our leaders. We need to be obedient to 1 Timothy 2:2, which says our prayer for them allows us to live in peace and godliness.
- Become informed. We are called to "be as wary as snakes and harmless as doves."
- Choose your issues wisely. Stand up to a frontal assault on your faith or a clear violation of moral decency, but don't think you must protest everything that doesn't support the cause of Christ.
- Build a coalition. There is influence in numbers.
—Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler in The New Tolerance
Adapted from The New Tolerance (Tyndale, 1998) by permission.
My Response: What issue ignites my passion to become involved in my community?
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Lord, enable me to serve Your Kingdom in Heaven by serving others in my community here on earth.
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