Becoming Citizens of Heaven

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“And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet.”  Mark 13:7

We’ve only lived in Thailand for about 7 years but the arguing in the government has been going on since we arrived.  Every 2-3 years, the fighting starts again.  According to the protesters, the cause of the fighting is always the same--“corruption”.  Half the citizens of Thailand hate Taksin and half of the citizens love him.  Half of the citizens love the way he thinks and half of the citizens hate the way he thinks.  

I’m not Thai and really have no right to express my opinion concerning the “right and wrong” of this fighting.  But, I am a Christian teacher, and as such, I have every right to express God’s opinion as He has revealed it in the Word of God.  Some Thai Christians will be surprised to find out that the Bible talks about the fighting in Thailand. But, the Bible clearly points out how God would like each Thai Christian to think.  Let’s look at a few specific verses to help Thai Christians:

Philippians 3:20 “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

1) You were born in Thailand, but you are citizens of Heaven.

I’m amazed at how quickly Thai Christians forget that they are citizens of God’s kingdom.  Jesus said that if a kingdom is divided against itself, it cannot stand.  Is it possible that Satan is using politics in Thailand to separate the citizens of Heaven here on Earth?  As citizens of Heaven, there is only one thing that should control our thoughts and stir our hearts—The Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Mark 13:7-“ And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed.”

2) In a corrupt world, fighting is to be expected.

Mark is clearly reminding us that fighting, wars, and political problems should not alarm us.  These are things that are going to happen before the time that Christ will return for us.  As citizens of a Heavenly kingdom, we should realize that Jesus will soon return and our time to announce the Gospel is short.

Hebrews 13:17 “Obey your leaders and submit to them.”

3) Life is not fair, but God’s Word is clear.

Life is not fair.  If you are waiting for a fair ruler, you will never find that person. You will never find a politician who isn’t corrupt.  You will never find a politician who doesn’t cheat.  You will never find a politician who doesn’t lie.  You will never find a human who won’t disappoint you.  If you are only willing to obey a perfect human leader, you will never find that person.

That is why you must turn to God and His Word for your answers.  He never lies.  He never cheats.  He’s never corrupt.  He will never disappoint you.  

The great question for Thai Christians today is this:  Which citizenship do you love and cherish more--Your citizenship here in Thailand or your citizenship in Heaven?  You can’t be 100% loyal to both.