By Jim Estep
Lyrics by Buffalo Springfield from 1966 are coming true: “There’s battle lines being drawn, and nobody’s right if everybody’s wrong . . . singing songs and they’re carrying signs, mostly say, ‘hooray for our side.’” Democrat, Republican, independent. Red, blue, purple. Radical right and social democrats. We live in what may be the most polarized period in U.S. history, short of the Civil War.
Regardless of where you live, in what country, within which state or province, we all live in the tension between two worlds. Our dual citizenship between here and Heaven.
Living in the Dichotomy
We are primarily citizens of God’s kingdom. Paul reminded the Philippian church that as Christ followers, “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 3:20, 21). As citizens, we do not avoid civic responsibility. When asked, “Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” (Luke 20:22), Jesus replied, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (v. 25).
However, we are also citizens here and now.Paul used his Roman citizenship (see Acts 22:25-29; 23:27). He frequently availed himself of the Roman judicial system, even appealing to Caesar (Acts 25:11, 12). Paul may have done so for evangelistic reasons, since he did so while innocent of any criminal charges (Acts 26:32). Paul is an example of one who used his earthly citizenship in conjunction with his heavenly citizenship. Even today, we should exercise our political rights as good citizens, maximizing the opportunity to be witnesses for Christ in all possible arenas—political, social, and cultural—but always remembering to be a Christian first.
This dichotomy, living as citizens of Heaven while on earth, makes us, as Peter described, “aliens and strangers” in the world (1 Peter 2:11, New American Standard Bible). He reminds us we are God’s people, and as such we are something new, something unfamiliar to the world (1 Peter 2:9, 10).
Four Principles
How do we live as citizens of two worlds? Both Paul and Peter—in Romans 14:1-6 and 1 Peter 2:13-17, respectively [please read these]—offer insights for us as citizens of two kingdoms. As Christ followers, we can derive several principles about how to navigate the political landscape in such a divisive time.
1. Our civic motive matters. Our motive is not about ourselves and our rights, but about the Lord. We are good citizens for his sake, not just our own. We can have a diversity of motives, and not all of them wrong. We may have the dream of a better life, providing for family, or improving the community. These are all good motives, but none of these necessarily puts Jesus first in our life. Peter and Paul both begin their sections by reminding believers that regardless of all the competing motives that can compel and propel us, we must put Jesus first. His interests are our interests; his reason is our reason.
2. We must pray for our politicians. Submit to whoever is in authority. Set the example of a good citizen, who understands submission is not conditional. Recognize that authorities preserve civic order. As Christians, we should pray for those who God has placed in leadership—for their integrity, their families, and their ability to withstand the pressures of office. This can be difficult, especially when we frame it in modern times. For example, regardless of what we may think about the president, the House and Senate, the Supreme Court, or even the Democrats, Republicans or independents—regardless of our personal assessments or preferences—as believers in Christ we desire to pray and honor our leaders.
3. We should be servants in our communities. What does Jesus want us to do? Do good! Paul wrote, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10, English Standard Version). Note the priority. Doing good to the family of believers should take precedence. It’s similar to the instructions you may have heard on an airplane: If the cabin pressure drops, put your own mask on first so you’ll be able to help others.
Our good, positive speech and actions will speak louder than political rancor. Peter said that we are free, but this freedom is not a license to sin; instead, freedom is an opportunity to change the world. Servanthood, rather than freedom, is our guide. How do we silence the people who speak against us? By becoming like Teflon. Don’t allow accusations against you to stick. Have such a sound reputation that no one would possibly believe a lie told about you. We must do good wherever God plants us—among our families, at work, and in the neighborhood.
4. We are called to be respectful, not divisive. While others may insult and be judgmental, we should show respect . . . to fellow believers, to those in authority, and even to those with whom we disagree. Peter and Paul concluded by calling for us to honor those in authority. We are to acknowledge their God-given authority and live in harmony so far as it is possible. We are to do nothing that would bring ill attention against us. “Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience” (Romans 13:5).
Pray, serve, respect . . . for the Lord’s sake!
Jim Estep serves as vice president of academics with Central Christian College of the Bible, Moberly, Missouri, and as event director with e2: effective elders.
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