In God We TrustSample

Citizens of Heaven

It’s easy to scroll through social media and start feeling freaked out by all of the bad news, conflicting opinions, and differing theories. But we don’t have to live that way. When we remember who God is and who we are because of Him, we can stop spiraling about things outside our control.

The truth is, no election, political party, or current event can change how God feels about us and who we are in Him. But we often forget who we are and settle for less, thinking that our nation is the only nation God cares about. 

We’re not called to be earthly citizens. We’re called to be ambassadors of Christ’s love to a broken, hurting world. In fact, that’s why in John 3:16 Jesus makes it clear that He’s coming to save the world—not just our part of it and not just those who look like, think like, or act like us. 

When we put our hope in a government or a leader or a country, we’ll be sorely disappointed because we don’t belong here. But we have access to much better news. 

As Christ followers, we are called to be a chosen nation. Not because we live in a certain country on earth but because we’re followers of the King of kings and Lord of lords. 

Peter reminds us: 

… for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness and into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10 NLT 

Our calling is so much bigger than a country. We are called to be God’s people, brought from darkness and into light. We’re so often discouraged by the darkness around us instead of seeing it as an opportunity to reflect God’s light in us. 

In fact, Peter goes on to give us instructions for how we can live, knowing that we’re God’s people: 

Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. 1 Peter 2:12 NLT 

We get the opportunity to respond to hate with love. To react to uncertainty with assurance that we know God is working all things for good. To see fear and respond with faith. And by doing these things, we’ll inspire those around us to see Christ at work in us and want the hope we have. 

We don’t stoop down to anyone’s level by responding to hate with hate. We rise up and set the level of expectation as God’s chosen people. We don’t belong in the world, but we can bring God’s love to the world, making it less broken by the way we live our lives and share our love.

Pray: God, thank You that You are in control. Thank You for giving us mercy and for choosing us as Your people. Help me to reflect Your love and light to a dark, hurting world. Show me how to live in a such a way that those who don’t believe in You will be inspired by the way I live my life and want the hope I have found in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.