Part 4 of a series of blogs on discipleship. Thus far we’ve learned that disciples are reproducers and are one with Jesus.
Jesus announced and commanded His disciples to tell the people that the Kingdom of God has come near (Luke 10:9). As Paul adds, “He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son” (Colossians 1:13). We have been transformed from prisoners into citizens, from ordinary humans into God’s royal household!
We are now citizens of a different world. And as such, we should live accordingly. The ways of God’s kingdom run counter to the ways of our society (Luke 16:15). As citizens of a country, the country’s language, culture, life style – everything about our country impacts us. Having transferred our alliance, our citizenship to God’s kingdom, means that nothing in our lives should be untouched. God must instruct us in our work, how we raise our children, use our money and time, and the ways we relate to others. Even our very thoughts are to be His thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:5). Our citizenship is a 24/7 commitment. There should be no separation between what is deemed as sacred and what is secular. Our spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical lives are all submitted to the Lordship of Jesus. Every thought, every action, every attitude, is a witness to the world that there is a better way to live – in Jesus.
Living as worthy citizens is essential to our mission. In Jesus, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). When people saw Jesus, they saw grace and truth in flesh and blood. They saw God! (John 10:3)
Seeing is believing. People today need to see the gospel lived out if they are to truly comprehend it. When I was in seminary, my professor Dr. Herbert Kane had us memorize a little poem which I’ve never forgotten.
You are writing the gospel, a chapter each day
By the things that you do and the words that you say.
Men read what you write, whether distorted or true,
Tell me, what is the gospel according to you?
Disciples know where their citizenship lays. They know their every action and word reflects upon the King of the Kingdom.
