Which Is First?

As we come closer to electing a new president, one thing really concerns me. As Christians, how do we balance being an American vs being a Christian? In other words, how far do we take our patriotism?

I am an American. I love my country. Nevertheless, I also have to admit, that even though America was founded on Christian principles and beliefs, America is still a country of this world. While we may ask God to make this country’s economy better and bigger, and while we may ask God to strengthen our military and increase our global influence, America is still a kingdom of this world and as a Christian, I am told to “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matt. 6:33).

Jesus said that when we pray, we ought to ask from the Lord, “Holy be your Name, YOUR KINDGOM COME, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:9-10).

As a Christian, my desire is not merely to be in a nation that has the biggest and strongest military and that has a robust economy, but I need to pray for heaven’s morals to become our nation’s morals. “God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

America is going to pass away one day just like all other countries that has preceded it. How America will be done away with is not certain. But the time will come. What is certain is that as a Christian, my “citizenship is in heaven” (Philip. 3:20). While on earth, I am just passing through. I am not to have the mindset that here on earth is all there is. I am an “alien” (1 Peter 1:1) and a “stranger” (1 Peter 2:11) just making my way through.

I want to vote for a candidate who will help bring us as a nation to our knees in humble repentance, calling upon God to forgive us and restore us to what His will is in heaven.

In the mean time, no matter who is elected as president, I should pray diligently and thoughtfully for our leader(s) (1 Tim. 2:1-3), and while doing so, always remember and never forget that I am actually a citizen of a heavenly home in which I was chosen to spend eternity.

While I should never be ashamed of my American citizenship, I realize that one day I will have to set aside my earthly American citizenship for my eternal heavenly one.

I am a citizen of two places, two countries, two homes. The kingdom of God comes first.