This evening at Church Requel we will study the first half of Philippians 1:27, which is the New International Version of the Bible reads this way, "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ." The main verb used is πολιτεύομαι (politeuomai), which has as its root the word polis, the word for city. New York City is often referred to as Metropolis. Here in Ohio on the Ohio River we have Gallipolis. It's where we get our word for politics. The New Living Translation, I think, really gets it right when they translate: "Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ."
Today, as we celebrate Independence Day here in the United States, Christ-followers celebrate dual citizenship. We conduct ourselves in a manner consistent with the freedoms and responsibilities of the citizen BOTH of the U.S. and of Heaven. There is no inconsistency or contradiction here. Citizens of Heaven should make excellent Americans.
Certainly our founders thought so. We may forget in this modern age that the first settlers came to America seeking religious freedom. In the midst of difficulties, trials and debate - when it seemed like the Continental Congress might not be able to agree on the Declaration of Independence - which we celebrate today, they paused for prayer. Out of that prayer came the phrase "e pluribus unum," One out of many.
Yesterday the Washington Post reported an exciting new finding about our Declaration of Independence. Researchers have scientifically figured out that in one of his early drafts, Thomas Jefferson changed his wording of Americans from "subjects" to "citizens." He smudged his ink so well and then traced his original lettering so closely that it has taken 234 years for us to figure out what he originally wrote down. Today we are not "subjects" of the crown or of the government. We are citizens! That has an entirely different meaning, with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities that go along with it.
In the same way, we Christ-followers are not just "subjects" of heaven. We are citizens of it. We live as if we were in the Presence of God (heaven) regardless of our place, time, or company. We live in a certain manner - not because we are better. We are, after all, sinful men and women saved by grace. We live in a certain way because of Who we know. And because of Who knows us.
Today on this 4th of July I encourage you to celebrate your freedom with all the gusto you can gather. But as you do so, remember your dual citizenship. Celebrate not only your freedom as an American, but also your freedom in Christ.
