True Citizenship

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Phil 3:20-21 (NKJV)

“…so help me God.”
It was July 17th, 1988 at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in Milwaukee that I uttered the words that would direct the next several years of my life.
Patriotism and love of country had been something that had been drilled into me all my life. All the men on either side of my family had served during times of war to defend America. I was joining because a part of me wanted to be “Rambo” and another part because I knew the Army would teach me several things that were seriously lacking in my life- discipline, honor, courage, and submission to authority.
My years in the military strengthened my love for my country. You can’t be an effective soldier unless you are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for your country. That kind of patriotism has a price though- unwavering belief that what you are willing to die for is worth it.
I still love my country, but I’m seriously concerned for her as the direction we seem to be heading at a breakneck pace is going to lead to her destruction. No nation in history can be as blessed of God and suddenly turn it’s back on Him and not have serious repercussions. It seems we are there- God has removed all restraint and we are heading down a slippery dark hole and there is nothing we can grab onto to stop this slide.
As concerned as I am for America, my heart is still hopeful, as another thing has happened in my life.
July of 1993, sitting on the back steps of my apartment, I again enlisted. From that point on, my citizenship changed. I am now not just an American. I am a citizen of the Eternal Kingdom, Ambassador of the Most High, and adopted yet blood relative of the King of Kings.
Recently this realization came to me again as I was praying for our country and getting really distressed about everything going on. God gently reminded me that America, as with every human government, will eventually pass into the annals of history, but His Kingdom, that of the Most High will never cease. Not only that, but my citizenship in that country is irrevocable.
Remember that next time you read or watch the news and your heart grows fearful. Remember the promise of Jesus-

Rev 21:6-7 He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.

If you have made Jesus your Lord, you are now a citizen of heaven. To be effective citizens and soldiers of the cross, a few things are required of us-

Be a true patriot of Heaven- one who is willing to lay down their life to defend it, expand it, and to uphold its honor. Jesus is more than worth it!
Learn to lay down our lives every moment of every day for the Gospel- being living martyrs.
Being Jesus to others. Showing His love and compassion to everyone we meet.
Taking seriously the title of “Ambassador of the Kingdom of Christ Jesus”. We carry the very presence of God everywhere we go, and that is the thing that will draw people to the Savior.

Living in our true citizenship is the only hope for America. Jesus is coming back very soon, and as a student of scripture, my head is spinning at how fast the world is heading toward that blessed day.

Live for Him with everything you have now, as soon it will be night, where no one can work (John 9:4).

Love and blessings,