Truth Speak – 11/09/04 

Citizenship 

I am quite thankful to have been born in this land where God has placed me.  I am grateful for the privileges and opportunities that I have been given.  I recognize that the freedom I have did not come cheap and with it comes responsibilities that I must faithfully fulfill.  I have no desire to go back to a different time or place for God, in His sovereign plan, had me born in this time, in this place. 

As grateful as I am, I also recognize that this country is not my home; it is simply where I temporarily dwell.  This country grows less attractive to me as time goes on.  Not because of the values or lifestyles of others but because there is another country that has my heart: the kingdom of God. 

As I journey through this earthly abode I discover that life is not to be found here.  I discover that the things of God have greater appeal, attraction and are of much more infinite worth.  I find as I work out my salvation with fear and trembling that the things of this world become less attractive to me and begin to lose their grip over me.  I find that as God continues to draw me closer to Himself that I have a growing desire to be with Him more and to know the riches of His glorious grace.  I find His peace in the midst of a world of chaos and turmoil because I learn more and more that He is control and is working all things for His glory. 

As I journey and discover these things I also realize that I desire others to know these things as well.  It brings me sorrow to see people giving themselves to the ways of this world thinking that in those things they will find peace, joy, and satisfaction.  People spend time, energy, and money on things that at best, bring temporary happiness and at worst, blind them to the realities of God.  O that the blinders would be taken off the eyes of their hearts so they can see the realities of God and that true pleasure and satisfaction are found only in Him through the Lord Jesus Christ. 

The follower of Jesus Christ is not of this world.  Jesus does not lead us into the ways of the world; He leads us out of them.  If the things of this world have a hold over your affections then examine yourselves honestly (with Judgement Day honesty).  Are you following Christ or are you following the desires of your flesh?  Do not deceive yourself and rob yourself of the true life that is only found in Him.  The apostle Peter exhorts us to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul (1 Peter 2:11).  Why? Because we are aliens and strangers in this world. Are you?  Are the things of this world more attractive and familiar to you than the things of God?  To which kingdom do you belong?  The kingdom of God lasts forever; the kingdom of this world will be destroyed.  Don’t be destroyed with it. 

“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28, 29) 

By God’s Grace, Through God’s Word, For God’s Glory! 

Chuck Long 

"Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ" -Eph.4:15