Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 28, 2017
Then the commander said, ‘I had to pay a big price for my citizenship.’ ‘But I was born a citizen,’ Paul replied. Those who were about to question him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains. Acts 22:28–29
Citizenship in a free country means something, especially for Christian citizens. Citizens who are followers of Christ have a platform to live out the teachings of Jesus. A responsible Christian citizen models his biblical values and principles modestly. Beliefs lived out are truly beliefs, while those unapplied are not real beliefs.
This applies to our political beliefs as Christian citizens. We can endorse an independent political party, but we are not autonomous from the Almighty’s influence. Paul was persecuted for his faith, but he still spoke the truth with humble boldness. If we say we believe in the sanctity of life and the sanctity of marriage, then we elect women and men who cherish these values.
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22–24).
If we say we believe in a government that spends less and balances a budget, then we elect leaders who will make hard choices and implement fiscally conservative changes. If we say we believe in free enterprise, then we elect loving leaders who support and improve the system, even if it requires businesses to fail. Responsible Christian citizens care more by engaging more in the political process.
Because our citizenship is in heaven, we always keep an eye on eternity’s expectations while we deal with earthly issues. It is not creating an entitlement-motivated government that becomes the savior of the masses. On the contrary, it is a political system that ensures the freedoms and liberties of its citizens are not threatened and removed. A diverse people can only be truly unified around common values and principles espoused by God.
“For through him [Jesus], we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow-citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:18–20).
Prayer
Who are my elected officials? How can I pray for them?Application
Am I a responsible Christian citizen who expresses my convictions by voting?Related Reading
Ecclesiastes 9:14–16; Acts 23:1–11; Ephesians 2:11–13; Titus 3:1Post/Tweet today
A diverse people can only be truly unified around common values and principles espoused by God. #wisdomhunters #responsiblecitizensWorship Resource
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Hi,
I have enjoyed your devotions for a little while now. But today’s devotional did not set well with my inner man and spirit. I could not read any further than the 2nd paragraph. It is very politically biased and reveals an opinion that could cause some readers caution. The political arena should not be something that is incorporated into a publicly shared devotional. This is just my opinion. Please do not take offense I am just asking that you not utilize your platform for worldly political conjecture but for Godly counsel.
Pastor Boyd while I agree with the premise of your message I find it difficult if not impossible to be politically engaged today. The root of politics is not God centered it is power and money centered. Since the day George Washington announced he would not seek a third term we have had a country divided into seperate beliefs systems. I believe there is but one way to solve this problem and that is for the people to recognize that the path to a better world is through the pursuit of our loving God. Sadly though, most don’t understand what this means and why this is so. They believe that politics and political agendas are the way. Politics has never been the way and will never will be the way.
I am confused by paragraph 2, sentence 2 (“We can endorse an independent political party, but we are not autonomous from the Almighty’s influence.)
Would you please clarify this? Thank you.
Dear Cassandra,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your opinion. Please know we are always grateful when a member of our Wisdom Hunter’s family shares their thoughts and sincere concerns with us.
I went back and re-read “Responsible Christian Citizens” a few different times to understand your concerns. I am not exactly sure where the”politically biased” comments are and would love to discuss this with you further. Could you email me gwynne@wisdomhunters.com, so we can chat further?
There was definitely a focus in the devotional about living out our beliefs in our political responsibilities. I think there is a “wake up call” in this devotional for many of us (me included!) who are somewhat “lazy” in our boldness when it comes to our faith and politics. As Boyd states, “If we believe in the sanctity of life and the sanctity of marriage, then we elect women and men who cherish these values”.
He later sums up our responsibility when he says “Because our citizenship is in heaven, we always keep an eye on eternity’s expectations while we deal with earthly issues”.
Cassandra, I look forward to continuing this conversation with you when you have a moment. Again, thank you so much for reaching out to us. We are grateful for you and we are thankful that you are a fellow wisdom hunter!
Blessings,
Gwynne
“Your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth.” Psalm 26:3