Devotional - Not of this world

The Bayside Devotional titled "We Are Not Citizens of This World" emphasizes that as believers, our primary citizenship is in Christ's kingdom. While we temporarily live in this world, our true home is in heaven. We are called to be good citizens of both our earthly nation and our spiritual nation. Our focus should be on developing a relationship with God and sharing His grace and mercy. We should pray for and participate in the governance of our country, respecting and praying for our elected officials. The devotional encourages us to be active citizens in both the world and God's kingdom, spreading His love and making a difference. This is Bayside Devotional from January 17th, 2024, entitled, We Are Not Citizens of This World. And it starts with John 18.36, Romans 14.17-18, and Hebrews 13.14. John 18.36 reads, Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would have been fighting that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But My kingdom is not of this world. Romans 14.17-18, For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. Hebrews 13.14, For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. One nation under God. A phrase in our country's Pledge of Allegiance can not only describe the United States, but also a nation of believers. We are citizens of Christ's kingdom first. We are temporarily living in this world and in this nation. This is not our final home, just as Philippians 3.20 says. But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. However, while we are here on this earth, we are called to be good citizens of our earthly nation, as well as of our spiritual nation. We are to be peacemakers, love God, and love others. We are called to an intimate relationship with God. As people of God, our focus should not only be on the happenings of this world, but on developing a relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We are to share God's grace and mercy through death, burial, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we are in the right relationship with the Father, we know His voice and can discern the moving of the Holy Spirit. In regards to our earthly citizenship, we also are to live under God while making a difference in our world and standing for what is right. For those of us who are fortunate enough to live in the United States of America, we have the freedom to focus on a relationship with the Lord through prayer, reading God's Word, and meeting in public with other believers. However, this does not mean that we only pray and do not participate in the governance of this great nation. Instead, ask the Lord how to pray and participate and present the Christ within you to the governance of our country. Scripture tells us to pray for all our elected officials on a consistent basis, regardless if we voted for them or not. Throughout history, God has allowed many leaders and rulers to govern His people. Some of those leaders have aligned with God and His ways, and others not so much. But regardless, God used them to accomplish His divine purposes. Whoever He allows to be in a position of leadership is to be respected and prayed for that they would have wisdom and honorable judgment. Are you an active citizen of this world, voting and praying for your elected officials? Are you an active citizen of God's world, sharing God's love with those around you? If not, what can you do today to change that? Father God, please reveal Yourself to me. Help me to understand Your ways and Your purpose for my life first and in this country. Holy Spirit, help me to pray for all elected officials the way You would guide me to pray for them. May I be a vessel for Your gifts of wisdom, love, and peace to the country You've placed me in. Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done. In Jesus' name, Amen.