Heaven Holds My Citizenship I am not sure when the tears started. My family and I sat in the finely manicured grass of the cemetery, about 30 yards from the grandstand. Row after row of white marble headstones grew up from the rolling hills all around us. Before the Memorial Day observance began, we sat in our folding chairs chatting about the heat, decorations, and where exactly we parked. However, once the commander stepped to the podium to start the memorial, the triviality of our conversation melted into national pride. Better vocalists have sung the National Anthem, but for me, few have animated Francis Scott Key’s words like the one that day. As she approached the rousing cadence, “O, say does that star-spangled…,” four dots speckled the horizon and grew. At the crescendo, the dots turned into four fighter jets zooming over the grandstand towards the crowds. Craning my head back to get every last glimpse of the formation, I first became aware of the tears. The ceremony continued with songs and speeches until they read the names of those laid to rest in the hallowed grounds in the last year. A rank, military branch, and synopsis accompanied each name, followed by another tear. An active soldier sounded the woeful notes of “Butterfield’s Lullaby” (Taps), while a retired veteran atop a nearby hill echoed. When the bagpiper started his haunting strains, I choked back a wail of my own. The emotions of the thousands gathered hung tangibly in the air. Everyone understood the sacrifice these warriors made for our country. A river runs throughout our national history, flowing through each battlefield filling with blood. Today we enjoy the benefits of liberty purchased by the sacrifice of patriotic heroes who laid down their lives for people and generations they would never know. I am proud to be an American, but my citizenship is in heaven. Paul reminded the church at Philippi, “But our citizenship is in heaven” (Phil. 3:20). Some believe that Paul’s statement forbids Christians to serve in government offices or pledge allegiance to human rulers and constitutions. But such interpretations violate Paul’s intent as well as the rest of Bible. Governments play an important role in God’s scheme of redemption. He authorizes them (Rom. 13:1- 5). He uses them to bring about His will (Hab. 1:5-7; Jer. 27:6). On more than one occasion, Paul relied on his Roman citizenship to aid in spreading the Gospel (Acts 16:36-37; 22:25; 25:11). Converted soldiers remained in military service (Luke 3:14). It is illogical to think God wants Christians to ignore their nationality and association with the world’s governments. In fact, God wants Christians to use both of their citizenships—heavenly and earthly. The word Paul uses for “citizenship” shares a common root to the word “politics” and means town or city. In non-sacred writings it referred to more than the acreage used by the town. It included the policies, rule, and citizens. It came to represent the ideals of the community. A heavenly citizenship means our citizenship comes from God, not man. Peter and John applied this principle when they answered the Jewish council, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). This does not mean Christians should disregard man’s laws (1 Pet. 2:13). It means God’s law is primary in all things, including our politics. His law impacts our votes, rallies, celebrations, campaign contribution, and free speech. God continues to use nations and governments to fulfill His will. Heavenly citizenship allows savvy Christians to use their earthly affiliations to benefit the Gospel. I am proud to be in America because of the human ideals that it follows. But, I am even more thankful for my citizenship in heaven, which allows me to use my earthly citizenship to change the world.
Posted on: Sat, 31 Aug 2013 21:30:00 +0000
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