Jesus & Politics: A 5-Day Devotionalნიმუში

Your Primary Identity

When it comes to politics, are you more interested in making a point or making a difference? In the midst of a politically divisive climate, it's crucial to remember who we are and what we're called to be.

Here’s how the Bible points us back to our true identity in this world:

1. We are, first and foremost, citizens of Heaven.

Even beyond the citizenship of our country or our Nation, we are citizens of Heaven. Heaven is our home. We are just pilgrims passing through. Philippians 3:20 reminds us that we are citizens of Heaven, eagerly awaiting the return of our Savior. It communicates a powerful truth: our primary identity is not tied to any earthly nation but to the Kingdom of God.

2. We are ambassadors for Christ in the world today.

Just as a diplomat is chosen and appointed by a president or a king, we have been chosen and appointed to be Christ’s ambassadors. Our role is not determined by public opinion but by God Himself. An ambassador never represents their own opinion. They always represent the opinion of the King or the nation or the president where they come from. So being an ambassador for Christ reprioritizes our opinions and our preferences.

3. We are a part of a royal priesthood.

As a priest, our assignment is to help people get to God—connect with God, know God, and follow God. Our highest calling is not to try to get people to change their vote or prove a point—it's to point people to God. When you point people to God, He can prove whatever point He wants because the Holy Spirit is much better at changing people’s minds than we are.

The assignments given to us in Scripture and the identity given to us by God Himself should shape how we walk through politically divisive conversations and seasons. It should determine the conversations we have (the ones we don't have) and even determine what we do or do not post online.

When the world seems more divided than ever over politics, let's remember who we are, first and foremost, citizens of Heaven. Let’s carry Christ and His Kingdom into every arena because the Holy Spirit can do more in seconds than men can do in centuries.

Prayer:

God, thank you for my identity as a citizen of Heaven. Help me to walk in my identity as your ambassador. I pray that you would give me wisdom on what I post, what I speak, and how I navigate topics that could potentially bring division. Amen.