Wednesday, February 12, 2014

The Value of Citizenship


“Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” (Philippians 3:17-21 NIV)

As we sat down for a celebratory dinner a few years ago, I mentioned to the American hostess that my wife had just become a U.S. citizen.  She looked at us with an awkward grin, said, “Ahhh,” and then told us the name of our waitress and walked away.  Obviously, she had no appreciation of the occasion.

In a given year, over one-half million people from around the world are given the privilege of U.S. citizenship and many more apply.  The process for most takes years and many are rejected.  It would be fair to say that American citizenship is a coveted status among people all over the world. Yet, many Americans, like our restaurant hostess, have little appreciation for it.  They were born here and take it for granted.  And what is taken for granted loses its sense of value.  

Kids take their parents for granted and, thus, often don’t appreciate the sacrifices they make for them.  Students take their opportunities for education for granted and, thus, don’t take advantage of their chance to learn.  And citizens can take their citizenship for granted and not fully appreciate their rights and responsibilities.  

Paul writes that we as believers are citizens of heaven.  I wonder if many of us don’t take that for granted, too.  Do we truly appreciate the privilege we have to be a citizen of God’s Kingdom?  Do we understand that our responsibilities involve more than just showing up at the port of entry when we are called out of this life?  Or do we take it for granted, oblivious to our privileged status.  

Citizenship may be given freely, but a price is always paid. Without the sacrifice of many Americans before her, my wife would not have been given the privilege of citizenship, or at least a citizenship worth attaining. By fulfilling her responsibilities as a citizen, she is honoring all those who sacrificed their lives to preserve this nation.  In the same way, when we truly live out our lives as citizens of the Kingdom, we honor the One whose sacrifice made our citizenship possible.

Today, if you are a citizen of God’s Kingdom, recognize what a privilege it is and never take it for granted.  The opportunity came at a tremendous price.  

© Jim Musser 2014

No comments: