DISCIPLES ARE CITIZENS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Jesus announced and commanded His disciples to tell the people that the Kingdom of God has come near (Luke 10:9). As Paul adds, “He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son” (Colossians 1:13). We have been transformed from prisoners into citizens, from ordinary humans into God’s royal household!

We are now citizens of a different world. And as such, we should live accordingly. The ways of God’s kingdom run counter to the ways of our society (Luke 16:15). As citizens of a country, the country’s language, culture, lifestyle – everything about our country impacts us.

Having transferred our alliance, our citizenship to God’s kingdom, means that nothing in our lives should be untouched. God must instruct us in how we work, raise our children, use our money and time, and we relate to others. Even our very thoughts are to be His thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5).

24/7 Citizenship

Our citizenship is a 24/7 commitment. There should be no separation between what is deemed as sacred and what is secular. Our spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical lives are all submitted to the Lordship of Jesus. Every thought, every action, every attitude, is a witness to the world that there is a better way to live – in Jesus.

Living as worthy citizens is essential to our mission. In Jesus, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). When people saw Jesus, they saw grace and truth in flesh and blood. They saw God! (John 10:3)

Seeing is believing. People today need to see the gospel lived out if they are to truly comprehend it. When I was in seminary, my professor Dr. Herbert Kane had us memorize a little poem which I’ve never forgotten. It was written by Paul Gilbert.

You are writing a Gospel,
A chapter each day,
By deeds that you do,
By words that you say.

Men read what you write,
Whether faithless or true;
Say, what is the Gospel
According to you?

Disciples know where their citizenship lies. They know their every action and word reflects upon the King of the Kingdom.

PATRICK LAI and his family have worked in SE Asia for over 37 years. His experience in doing business with Jesus has brought him to understand the meaning of work and worship in the marketplace. He started 14 businesses in four countries, six of which are still operating. Patrick and his wife, May, mentor and coach businesspeople working where there are few or no Christians. Check out Patrick’s latest book, Workship, now available in paperback and e-book.