Citizenship

It isn’t heaven yet. By now you know that, of course. It is in this world and with other people that you must work through your relationship with God with awe, reverence, caution and wisdom. And you are called to be God’s people, reflecting Jesus’ heart and Spirit to others, but especially to those most hurting and in need. By now, you know that, too.

I know that you are anxious to remind me that we are called also to be in this world but not of it, to recognize that our citizenship is in heaven. Authorities of no less stature than Jesus and the Apostle Paul made recurring reference to this eternal, spiritual truth. And these same beliefs are held in other religions and spiritual traditions, as well. But, you do understand the spiritual context and existential limitations of this teaching, I’m sure.

And you understand that this teaching should be approached only in that balanced, spiritual context. It should not be understood to provide a basis for withdrawing in any sense from the world and its challenges, or failing to engage your roles and duties, your opportunities for growth and contribution in day-to-day life. And it certainly should not provide a rationalization for separating yourself from other people, either physically or emotionally—and certainly not based on misguided understandings, assurances or self-assessments of your relative spiritual self worth or standing.

In a most real sense you are in this world. And if your temporal existence is here, you also have citizenship and responsibilities here. For us to stress too much—and out of context—that we are not of the world is to be unnecessarily oblique and misleading about the importance of our life and our relationships here in God’s creation.

To fail to take seriously your place or role in broader society is to fail to live your life fully and grow fully to both your existential and spiritual potential. And in most cases, that means you fail to achieve God’s plan for you, and possibly for others.

It is also clear that part of your worship and expression of gratitude is the continuous development and full expression of your abilities and spiritual gifts. This is accomplished in large part through everyday life and relationships in the world. In the end, it is spiritually important to experience them all, the loving, forgiving, compassionate and serving relationships, yes, and the striving, disagreeable, hurtful, and disappointing relationships, as well. I remind you of what Jesus reminded us: God is all and in all. And He works through all.

And in this citizenship, this role, you must first and always be oriented toward reflecting what you can of the heart and Spirit of Jesus, the nature of God. Be oriented toward the broader sense of human community and the broader sense of the Body of Christ. As Christ’s Spirit leads, encounter and respect all others as creations and expressions of God—whether or not they share your faith or any faith at all. It is important that you try to meet them all with the eyes and heart of the One who created them, allowing them to sense in you His love for them. So, greet them with humility, respect, joy and compassion, the characteristics most essential to genuinely see and encounter other people as fellow loved creatures of God.

First written: November 2006 – January 2007
© Gregory E. Hudson 2007