July 28th, 2025
by Pastor Luke
by Pastor Luke
Living as Citizens of Two Kingdoms: Navigating Faith in a Complex World
In our journey as people of faith, we often find ourselves grappling with a profound question: How do we hold the tension between being citizens of the kingdom of heaven while also living as citizens of an earthly nation? This delicate balance is at the heart of our spiritual walk, challenging us to live authentically in both realms without compromising our core beliefs.
The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, provides invaluable guidance on this matter. He reminds us that every person is subject to governing authorities, as there is no authority except that which God has established. This truth can be difficult to swallow, especially when we disagree with our leaders or feel that government overreach infringes on our faith. Yet, Paul asserts that by submitting to earthly authorities, we are ultimately submitting to God's ordained structure.
However, this doesn't mean blind obedience. When laws of the land directly contradict God's commands, we must prioritize our heavenly citizenship. The prophet Daniel exemplifies this balance beautifully. He was a respected official who served earthly kings faithfully, yet he never compromised his convictions or worship of the one true God. When faced with laws that violated his faith, Daniel chose to honor God above all, even at great personal risk.
This brings us to a crucial point: as believers, our primary allegiance must always be to God. We are called to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Only when this love is firmly established can we properly love our neighbors and engage with our earthly communities. If we reverse this order, we risk abandoning God's values for the approval of people – a dangerous trap that leads us away from our true purpose.
In light of this, how should we respond to the challenges and injustices we see in our world? The answer may surprise you. While our culture often encourages loud protests and public displays of outrage, the Bible points us in a different direction. Prayer, not protest, is our most powerful tool for change. When we fall to our knees before God, petitioning Him for justice and mercy, we tap into a force far greater than any earthly demonstration.
This doesn't mean we should be passive in the face of evil. Rather, it means we approach these issues with spiritual wisdom. We speak truth, but we package it in love. We stand firm in our convictions, but we do so with humility and grace. Our goal is not to win arguments or prove ourselves right, but to lead people into the transformative presence of God.
Paul urges us to "wake up" spiritually, recognizing that we live in urgent times. God is moving in our world, shaking things up and preparing hearts for a great work. As believers, we must be alert and responsive to His leading. This means casting off works of darkness and putting on the armor of light. It means walking in integrity, avoiding the pitfalls of sexual immorality, drunkenness, and other vices that marked the pagan culture of Paul's day (and sadly, still plague our society today).
Interestingly, Paul groups quarreling and jealousy alongside these more "obvious" sins. This reminds us that disunity and a contentious spirit within the body of Christ are just as damaging as outward moral failings. We are called to be peacemakers, to love one another deeply, and to present a united front to a watching world.
As we navigate the complexities of dual citizenship, we must remember that our earthly lives are temporary. While we should strive to be good citizens and positively influence our communities, our ultimate hope lies in our eternal home. This perspective helps us endure trials with patience, knowing that God is working all things for our good and His glory.
When faced with uncertainty or hardship, we can take comfort in understanding God's timing. Sometimes His work is swift, like Christ's death and resurrection occurring over just three days. Other times, it's seasonal, like Jesus' 40-day temptation in the wilderness. And occasionally, God's plan unfolds over decades, as seen in Israel's 40-year journey through the desert. Whatever season we find ourselves in, we can trust that God is actively engaged in our situations, even when His timing feels inconvenient to us.
So how do we grow in discernment, learning to distinguish between truth and error, between the Holy Spirit's leading and deceptive influences? The answer lies in immersing ourselves in God's Word, cultivating a rich prayer life, and regularly participating in communion. These spiritual disciplines shape our hearts and minds, aligning us more closely with God's will and equipping us to navigate the challenges of our dual citizenship.
As we partake in communion, we are reminded that our lives are not about us – they are about Christ. The bread and cup serve as powerful symbols of His broken body and shed blood, given for our redemption. This sacred act centers us, helping us maintain an eternal perspective amidst the distractions and demands of our earthly existence.
In conclusion, let us embrace the beautiful tension of being citizens of two kingdoms. May we be known for our love – love for God first and foremost, which then overflows into genuine love for our neighbors. Let us be people of prayer, humbly seeking God's intervention in our world rather than relying on our own strength or wisdom. And may we walk in the light, living lives of integrity that point others to the transformative power of Christ.
As we navigate this complex world, may we always remember that our ultimate allegiance is to the King of Kings. While we respect earthly authorities and seek to be positive influences in our communities, we do so with our eyes fixed on eternity. For one day, all pain, suffering, and injustice will cease. We will dwell in perfect harmony with our Creator, free from the tension we now experience. Until that glorious day, let us live as faithful ambassadors of Christ, holding fast to truth, extending grace, and shining His light in every sphere of influence He grants us.
stay salty. be bright.
Pastor Luke
The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, provides invaluable guidance on this matter. He reminds us that every person is subject to governing authorities, as there is no authority except that which God has established. This truth can be difficult to swallow, especially when we disagree with our leaders or feel that government overreach infringes on our faith. Yet, Paul asserts that by submitting to earthly authorities, we are ultimately submitting to God's ordained structure.
However, this doesn't mean blind obedience. When laws of the land directly contradict God's commands, we must prioritize our heavenly citizenship. The prophet Daniel exemplifies this balance beautifully. He was a respected official who served earthly kings faithfully, yet he never compromised his convictions or worship of the one true God. When faced with laws that violated his faith, Daniel chose to honor God above all, even at great personal risk.
This brings us to a crucial point: as believers, our primary allegiance must always be to God. We are called to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Only when this love is firmly established can we properly love our neighbors and engage with our earthly communities. If we reverse this order, we risk abandoning God's values for the approval of people – a dangerous trap that leads us away from our true purpose.
In light of this, how should we respond to the challenges and injustices we see in our world? The answer may surprise you. While our culture often encourages loud protests and public displays of outrage, the Bible points us in a different direction. Prayer, not protest, is our most powerful tool for change. When we fall to our knees before God, petitioning Him for justice and mercy, we tap into a force far greater than any earthly demonstration.
This doesn't mean we should be passive in the face of evil. Rather, it means we approach these issues with spiritual wisdom. We speak truth, but we package it in love. We stand firm in our convictions, but we do so with humility and grace. Our goal is not to win arguments or prove ourselves right, but to lead people into the transformative presence of God.
Paul urges us to "wake up" spiritually, recognizing that we live in urgent times. God is moving in our world, shaking things up and preparing hearts for a great work. As believers, we must be alert and responsive to His leading. This means casting off works of darkness and putting on the armor of light. It means walking in integrity, avoiding the pitfalls of sexual immorality, drunkenness, and other vices that marked the pagan culture of Paul's day (and sadly, still plague our society today).
Interestingly, Paul groups quarreling and jealousy alongside these more "obvious" sins. This reminds us that disunity and a contentious spirit within the body of Christ are just as damaging as outward moral failings. We are called to be peacemakers, to love one another deeply, and to present a united front to a watching world.
As we navigate the complexities of dual citizenship, we must remember that our earthly lives are temporary. While we should strive to be good citizens and positively influence our communities, our ultimate hope lies in our eternal home. This perspective helps us endure trials with patience, knowing that God is working all things for our good and His glory.
When faced with uncertainty or hardship, we can take comfort in understanding God's timing. Sometimes His work is swift, like Christ's death and resurrection occurring over just three days. Other times, it's seasonal, like Jesus' 40-day temptation in the wilderness. And occasionally, God's plan unfolds over decades, as seen in Israel's 40-year journey through the desert. Whatever season we find ourselves in, we can trust that God is actively engaged in our situations, even when His timing feels inconvenient to us.
So how do we grow in discernment, learning to distinguish between truth and error, between the Holy Spirit's leading and deceptive influences? The answer lies in immersing ourselves in God's Word, cultivating a rich prayer life, and regularly participating in communion. These spiritual disciplines shape our hearts and minds, aligning us more closely with God's will and equipping us to navigate the challenges of our dual citizenship.
As we partake in communion, we are reminded that our lives are not about us – they are about Christ. The bread and cup serve as powerful symbols of His broken body and shed blood, given for our redemption. This sacred act centers us, helping us maintain an eternal perspective amidst the distractions and demands of our earthly existence.
In conclusion, let us embrace the beautiful tension of being citizens of two kingdoms. May we be known for our love – love for God first and foremost, which then overflows into genuine love for our neighbors. Let us be people of prayer, humbly seeking God's intervention in our world rather than relying on our own strength or wisdom. And may we walk in the light, living lives of integrity that point others to the transformative power of Christ.
As we navigate this complex world, may we always remember that our ultimate allegiance is to the King of Kings. While we respect earthly authorities and seek to be positive influences in our communities, we do so with our eyes fixed on eternity. For one day, all pain, suffering, and injustice will cease. We will dwell in perfect harmony with our Creator, free from the tension we now experience. Until that glorious day, let us live as faithful ambassadors of Christ, holding fast to truth, extending grace, and shining His light in every sphere of influence He grants us.
stay salty. be bright.
Pastor Luke
No Comments