FROM THE DAWGHOUSE…
Dual Citizenship
Grounded in Christ but Called to Our Country
If you missed Forge this week, you missed a good one. I applaud Pastor Pete’s boldness in laying it on the line regarding our participation in politics, the upcoming election, and the world we live in. As Pastor Pete shared, for Christians, the notion of citizenship carries a dual reality.
On one hand, our primary allegiance is to a heavenly kingdom, where our citizenship is grounded in Christ. On the other hand, we are called to steward our earthly citizenship with integrity, concern, and active engagement. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul reminds believers of this heavenly citizenship: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). This truth reveals a tension and a harmony – our allegiance to heaven guides how we live on earth. But how does this dual citizenship play out in practice, particularly as we navigate the complexities of a world often at odds with the gospel?
The Bible is clear that a Christian’s primary identity and citizenship are not in this world. Our loyalty is first and foremost to God’s kingdom, a truth Jesus proclaimed when He said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). Rooted in Christ, this heavenly citizenship forms the foundation of our identity, shaping how we think, speak, and act. It affects our values, guiding us to align our lives with God’s character and commands rather than the fleeting trends of society. This eternal perspective, often described as a pilgrim mindset, reminds us that while we reside here, we are “sojourners and exiles” (1 Peter 2:11), with our hearts set on eternity.
This eternal perspective, however, does not negate our responsibilities on earth; rather, it gives them greater depth and significance. Jesus tells His followers to be “salt and light” (Matthew 5:13-16), illuminating the truth and preserving godliness in a world prone to decay. Our heavenly citizenship equips us with both a purpose and a perspective that transcends earthly divisions, calling us to bring kingdom values to our earthly interactions.
Our heavenly citizenship, however, is not a license for detachment from the world or a retreat into isolation. We are here for a reason. Jesus prayed, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one” (John 17:15). Earthly citizenship is thus a God-given platform where we can reflect Christ and serve the common good.
This stewardship means actively participating in society, which may include voting, advocating for justice, and seeking/supporting leaders who seek righteousness. In Jeremiah 29:7, God commands His people in exile to “seek the welfare of the city” where they dwell, underscoring that we can engage without compromising our heavenly allegiance. Through respectful and compassionate involvement, we fulfill the call to love our neighbors and to stand for truth, promoting the principles of God’s kingdom within our earthly communities.
It is essential to remember that while our earthly citizenship is valuable, it must never overshadow our commitment to Christ. The early church faced this very tension under Roman rule, where confessing Christ as Lord sometimes conflicted with political expectations. As a result, Christians were called to obey authorities but only insofar as doing so did not contradict their allegiance to Christ (Acts 5:29). This is where our heavenly citizenship provides a moral and spiritual compass for engaging in worldly matters.
As Pastor Pete shared, in a world that is often divided along political lines, this balance can be challenging. Yet, because our citizenship is grounded in Christ, we can approach societal issues with humility, grace, and conviction. We are not left to our own devices in navigating this dual citizenship; we are equipped by God’s Word, His Spirit, and His people. The fruits of this heavenly allegiance – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) – should mark our interactions, even when engaging in civic responsibilities.
In an age when loyalty to earthly affiliations often breeds division, our heavenly citizenship can be a profound witness. When others see us prioritize godly values, even above partisan interests, they may witness the unity and love of Christ. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “We are ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20), representing a kingdom that is unshakable and everlasting. Our dual citizenship allows us to serve as mediators and peacemakers, pointing others to the hope and security found only in Jesus.
To the Kingdom
Joe Bouch
