Duel Citizenship

Jeff Davis

We all live our lives under dual citizenship.  As Christians we are under the authority of Jesus as the Lord and Master of our lives, and we build and conduct our lives according to his teachings and purposes.  We also have a role to play as a citizen of the country we live in.  All Christians who live in America are blessed with the freedom to have dual citizenship without the worry of persecution for worshiping God the way we desire.  Many countries around the world Christians aren’t as fortunate, and the choice to live for God and to have an active role in Jesus’s kingdom could cause persecution from their government which they live.  Calvin addresses the conflict that would arise for many around the world. “These statements of his must also be taken in the same sense: In the Kingdom of God” Galatians 3:28, “‘there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither male nor female, neither slave nor free, there is not Jew nor Greek, uncircumcised and circumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, freeman, but Christ is all in all.” Colossians 3:11 By these statements he means that it makes no difference what your condition among men may be or under what nation’s law you live, since the Kingdom of Christ does not at all consist in these things.” (Calvin 4.20.1 pg 1486) In God’s kingdom everyone has a level of equality that doesn’t separate humanity.   Our government tries to model equality and united but there are definitely separations of people’s rights and privileges.

There comes some moments when the two kingdoms in our lives conflict with values and beliefs.  This can cause severe strain in a Christian’s life.  Luckily in America we can continue to voice our opinions and concerns without the risk of governmental persecution, but when those times come there is always persecution upon the believer.  The believer has every right to stand up for issues that they are passionate about regarding government affairs.  Holding true to what we believe and demonstrating that to our nation is a very important thing to do.  We work out our faith when we are active in the issues that our government has to deal with. When believers do this they help maintain values of our faith inside our government.  When believers distant themselves from government then a slippery slope can occur.  It is up to every believer to be active in the process and diligent with upholding values.   We also can take the comfort knowing that God is in control of government and there is nothing that happens outside of God’s will.  The Holy Spirit still moves through the halls of government, and influences things in politics. Believers need to be active in government just as much as we are active in our society everywhere else.   Do you feel that you can still be active in your church and active in local, state and national government without compromising your values or beliefs?