Our global world talks more and more about “world citizenship” – the idea that we belong to something bigger than our own country because we are a part of humanity. On the other end of this spectrum there are those who hold to strong nationalist ideas, loving their own nation to the point of ignoring all others. Neither of these positions demonstrates the heart of God accurately.

In Scripture we see God working in individual nations. Genesis 10 records for us the beginning of nations after the flood and Genesis 11 then shows the division of those people groups at the Tower of Babel. History is replete with the stories of God’s providential work in the nations. Ultimately, He chose to bless the whole earth through His chosen people Israel.

The Lord Jesus Christ said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations...” (Matthew 28:18). At the end of the Bible we are given a glimpse of eternity around the throne: “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb” (Revelation 7:9-10).

Even one of our Lord’s most powerful preachers had to learn this truth. In Acts 10 the Lord taught Peter that there was no prejudice in the gospel. This is what he learned…”Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him” (Acts 10:34-35).

There is nothing more equal than the truth of Christ: we are all sinners, we all need a Savior, and we all can be saved by simply placing our faith in Christ. That is true in every nation throughout the whole world. So what should we make of citizenship?

• I am a happy citizen of West Virginia. Personally I am very grateful for the region where I was raised and the place where the Lord has allowed us to make our home. Each week I travel in different regions of the country. There are similarities and differences everywhere I go. I believe that God’s people should love their “Jerusalem” and seek to make an impact for Christ wherever God has providentially placed them.
• I am a blessed citizen of the United States of America. I love America but we all know that our country has tremendous needs right now. Christians must not turn a blind eye to the issues, nor should they take their eye off of the main thing. Our nation needs Jesus. In the good providence of God the Lord has allowed us to live here, which means that He expected us to labor for Him here. We will answer to God for what we did in this generation in our nation.
• I am eternally a citizen of Heaven. Yes, Heaven is a real place – more real than West Virginia or the United States, and infinitely better! Paul said it best, “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). The only way to have your citizenship in Heaven is to know Christ as your Savior. We only have a short stay in this world, regardless of where you live, and then “man goeth to his long home” (Ecclesiastes 12:5).

When I was ministering in Canada I got acquainted with a term that they use for people who only live there one portion of the year. They call them “seasonal settlers.” How appropriate! We are only here for a season. It reminds me of the story of an old army captain who saw his soldiers pitching their tent for the night and cried out, “Don’t drive your stakes too deep – we are going up in the morning!” Good advice for us all.

In our own country certain people are referred to as “snow birds” because they fly south for the winter! When the season is over they move again. Dear friends, the season is almost over and soon believers are going to fly away.

Love your region and love your nation. Pray for souls where you are and do all the good you can while there is time. Point people to Jesus and seek to make a difference in the world. But never forget that we are citizens of another country. We are seasonal settlers, snow birds…and we are going up in the morning.