Reconciling Our Duality

Jesus said we are in the world but not of it. Yet, He sent us back into it, Jn 17:14-18. Paul said we are members or fellow citizens of God’s house, Eph. 2:19. In other words, we have two citizenships. One is temporary as citizens of the United States and the other is permanent as citizens of the Kingdom of God. This can create a tension. But this tension can be easily dismissed once we know our role in both economies.

Paul’s life is a good illustration of this dual “citizenship.” He lived in full understanding of the benefits of both, and the limitations of the one. He knew the superiority of God’s Kingdom, but acted righteously at all times towards Rome, whose citizenship he claimed, Acts 22:25-29. Essentially, Paul both respected and appreciated his rights as a Roman. God’s sovereign design preserved Paul from an angry mob that would have killed him. As a Roman, he was protected, Acts 23:10. We have similar rights in the U.S. concerning our faith and its protection. I thank God for that.

Yet Paul makes no mention of preserving Rome as a world power or maintaining its government or politics. He honored Rome and taught us to pray for all men and all in authority, ITim. 2:1-4. The reasons given are clear:

1. That we could live quiet and peaceful lives.
2. That we would express reverence for God.

3. That we would act in dignity, honor and purity towards all men.

4. All of which is good in God’s eyes.

5. God’s desire is to have all men come to our Lord Jesus.

In other words, Paul was always aware of this duality and reconciled it by allowing the higher purposes of God to dominate. Righteous behavior is like salt, sprinkling itself among mankind. Proverbs 14:34 reveals that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach (shame) to any people. Any nation that increases in righteousness will be lifted up by God. These thoughts should direct our prayers for our leaders.

No form of human government can equal the Kingdom of God no matter how well intentioned that government is or how many Christians populate it. All governments will ultimately be replaced by the Kingdom of God. We are taught to pray for the Kingdom to continually come, Mt. 6:10. In the meantime, our role as citizens of heaven is to honor and respect our natural governments while living to increase God’s government in the earth.

God’s Kingdom doesn’t come as a violent revolution but as a loving revelation. It is a Kingdom of peace. This peace increases continually according to Isa. 9:6-7. No government can bring peace like the Holy Spirit can. At best, nations can halt some hostilities, but still not bring peace to the hearts of men. But when the Kingdom of God comes to a person by the Holy Spirit his heart is changed. Changed hearts change nations. The Kingdom comes a person at a time with righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, Rom. 14:17.

Yes, God loves the world, the people of the world, Jn. 3:16. No, He doesn’t want us to love the “world” above Him. Here world means aggregate of earthly endowments, advantages, arrangements of constitution and governments; in other words, lifestyle. While I enjoy living in the United States, Christ determines my lifestyle. Often we confuse lifestyle, the blessings that our country’s economy affords us, with a life lived in Christ. Christ is our lifestyle. This lifestyle can be lived anywhere whereas the benefits of the country belong to the country. Travel the world and you will see.

Jesus said He didn’t pray for the world (the systems of mankind) Jn. 17:9, but for those who had been given to Him and those who would believe through us who bring the world the Word of Truth, Jn. 17:20. His love is focused on the redemption of man and extends to the entire world especially to those who believe on Him.

Thus, the tension of duality is relieved as our love for the things God loves exceeds all worldly interests. This love causes us to function as ministers of reconciliation bringing man to God through Jesus Christ, 2Cor. 5:18. We could have no higher calling as that of ambassadors of God’s Kingdom to this world.

Blessings In Christ,

Greg Manalli

This Ephesians Ministries International® article is a publication of Ephesians Ministries International®.

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