Where Is My Citizenship? (2 Corinthians 5) December 8, 2003
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that
every one may receive the things done in his body, according to
that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." 2 Corinthians 5:10
**************************************************************
Am I a citizen of this world trying to live like a citizen of the Kingdom
of God, or a citizen of the kingdom of God living as a pilgrim in the
world?)
As one gets older, having lived well over half of his anticipated life
span, it seems he is less at home in the “...body of this death” Romans
7:24, having a desire to be clothed fully in that body which is Spiritual.
If we are honest with God and self, there are times even in maturity
when we are too much at home on this earth and in the world system
which are at enmity with the Kingdom of God, At times we are migh-
tily offended by things around us as “righteous Lot,” in Sodom we
seem to take them in stride and have little if any positive influence or
effect on those around us. We choose not to be labeled prudish nor
moralist. We smile at off-color stories, wincing inside; accepting pro-
fane practices with little or no apparent reaction. We become jaded
and hardened by regular exposure to “worldly” entertainment and
have generally lost our witness for Christ. If we have a standard it is
rarely raised; when raised it is not high enough to be noticed or make
a difference. When with fellow believers we sing loudly, say Amen,
and are generally in agreement that something must be done about
the degradation of our culture. We are not, however; willing to stick
out our necks nor do anything that might affect adversely, our com-
fort level among unbelieving friends or people with whom we work.
Even in fellowship with like-minded believers, Kingdom matters are
rarely discussed and are never the primary topic of conversation.
There must be a cure for the malaise currently keeping born again
Children of the Kingdom of God out of the warfare into which we are
called. Since we do not conduct this warfare against flesh and blood,
but against unseen and sinister entities, we must take a wise and at
times indirect paths into the battle. There are some steps we may
take to overcome our reticence to do battle and get us off on the right
foot as we engage the enemy. First, we must recognize the enemy as
Satan, not our unbelieving friend, relative or co-worker. Those who
our circle who are not yet Children of the Kingdom are casualties of
war and victims in every sense of the word. They are not the enemy.
Before engaging an enemy, preparation must be made. To the Child
of God, this means developing plans consistent with the Word of God
to deliver the victims from a fate we recognize as “worse than death.”
Eternal separation from our creator and loved ones in Hell; punish-
ment beyond our imagination. The first part of the plan must be for
each to make an honest appraisal of self. Do I have a daily walk, by
faith, with my Lord, Jesus Christ, in truth. Am I consistently in the
Scripture, fervent prayer, worship and praise? Am I prepared to
give an answer for the “hope that is in...” me to anyone who might
inquire? Do I have an attitude or spirit in my demeanor attracting
believer and unbeliever alike? Or, do I just have an "Attitude?"
Am I honestly seeking help anyone who might need a hand, with-
without thought of repayment or even thanks? After we make this
honest appraisal of our spiritual condition, it is time to identify our
shortcomings and in the Spirit of God, to make correction through
application of the Word of God.
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things
have passed away; behold, all things are become new....all things
are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and
hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;” (2 Corinthians 5: 17-18)
donporter 10.24.12 ed. 4.04.15
"If I am not active in the “ministry of reconciliation,
of what good am I to the Kingdom of God?"
No comments:
Post a Comment