Dual citizenship means belonging in two places at the same time. In the early 1960s, an American serviceman stationed in Japan had his wife with him. His first child was born in a Japanese hospital. Although from American parents, the serviceman’s son had an option his parents didn’t.
He could become a full Japanese citizen, if he wished.
His birth gave him a choice, American citizenship or Japanese. He couldn’t be turned down. It was his right when he came of age, if he wanted it, by determination of birth.
On one hand, he was fully American, with two American parents. On the other hand, he could choose to be Japanese, citing his birth in the island nation.
As Christians, we are in the same position. We’re born to natural parents, and that makes us fully human. However, we are also born into Christ, giving us a second option. On one hand, we are fully carnal. On the other hand, we can claim our spiritual heritage, citing our birth in Jesus through the blood he shed on the cross.
Joshua 24:15 says both options are open to us.
“And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Philippians 1:21-22 shows us the choice isn’t always easy.
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.”
John 15:16 reveals Jesus’ desire for us to choose him.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”
Proverbs 1:28-29 is our clear indication that our intent is paramount in making a good choice.
“They will seek me diligently but will not find me, because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord.”
Psalm 25:12 tells us God will help us to make the right choice.
“Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.”
Job 34:4 says both choices are open to all men and women.
“Let us choose what is right; let us know among ourselves what is good.”
American citizenship, or Japanese? The world or Christ? On one hand, we have the right to be called human. It’s ours by virtue of our natural parents. On the other hand, we’ve been given a second choice. It comes by birth into the kingdom of God.
It’s time to show that we’ve come of age. Which will we choose?
Following Christ doesn’t happen by chance. We have to make the decision to do it.
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Code: FGO.L.29.15.vp.esv