The Christian’s Place in a Nation

Matthew 5:13-16, 43-48; I Peter 2:13-17

GOLDEN TEXT: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”—Psalm 33:12

HOW true are the words of our Golden Text! However, contrary to the generally accepted view, there is no nation on earth today “whose God is the Lord.” In all the ages of human history there has been but one nation of which this was true, and that was the nation of Israel. Even this nation did not receive the riches of divine blessing which were available because the Israelites were so much of the time not more than nominally the people of God. But God did recognize them as his people. He entered into a covenant with them. Their kings reigned as his representatives. To the extent that the people were faithful to him the nation was blessed.

That kingdom of the Lord was typical of the Millennial reign of Christ. It was overthrown in 606 B.C., at which time the prophet declared that it would be no more until He came whose right it was, and it would be given to Him. (Ezek. 21:25-27) Meanwhile, all the nations of the earth have been but “kingdoms of this world.” (Rev. 11:15) Some have been fairly good; some have been very wicked; none have been perfect; and none have truly had the Lord as their God. True followers of Jesus have always, therefore, been “aliens and strangers” in whatever nation they have sojourned.—Eph. 2:12

It is from the standpoint of our being aliens that the apostle admonishes us to be subject to the powers that be, to obey rulers, to honor the king, etc. Aliens have no right to disobey the laws of a country in which they may be temporarily living. Being protected by those laws, they should respect them; and to whatever extent it does not violate their conscience, they should respect the lawmakers. It is not the Christian’s business to transform or to destroy earthly governments. Nor is it for us to berate the governments, or agitate against them.

In addition to being aliens in this world, Christians are also ambassadors of Christ and representatives of his future kingdom. As such it is our privilege to let our light shine, to let the people know that our allegiance is to Christ’s kingdom, and to tell them about that kingdom. A comprehensive message concerning the kingdom is in reality a story of the entire divine plan of the ages. This is our “light,” the truth of the Gospel with which God has shined into our hearts.

Letting our “light” shine, however, means more than explaining the truth to others. It requires also that our lives conform as nearly as possible to the righteous standards of the kingdom which we represent. Selfishness characterizes all the kingdoms of this world, but love will be the controlling motive in the kingdom of Christ. Where love rules there is no room for bitterness and hate, not even for enemies. Hence, properly to represent such a government we must love our enemies, bless those who persecute us, and pray for those who despitefully use us.

Christians are to display godlike qualities of benevolence and love in showing their interest in all men. God showers many of his blessings upon the unjust as well as the just. So we are to be all-comprehensive in the bestowing of our blessings. The richest blessing we have to bestow is a knowledge of the truth, the refreshing waters of the Word. We are not to show partiality in the spread of the truth. We are to be willing and anxious to give the witness to all who will hear.

Jesus admonishes that we be perfect, even as our Father in heaven is perfect. This thought follows what he says concerning the universal manner in which God showers his blessings upon the people. It seems evident, therefore, that the term “perfect” in this instance does not mean freedom from sin, but rather godlike in love for, and interest in, mankind. Christians can be perfect in love in the sense that they will not harbor bitterness, anger, malice, or hatred toward any, not even their enemies. Should we find that our hearts are not pure and loving toward all we may know that we are not yet perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect.

As members of the fallen race we cannot attain to the standard of absolute perfection in the flesh in the sense that we will never transgress God’s laws in thought, word, or deed. John says that if any man claims to be without sin, he is a liar. But if our hearts have been enlarged by the Gospel we will have love for all, and like God, will delight to bestow our blessings lavishly and universally. We will not only be willing to do this, but we will be so desirous of doing it that we will gladly lay down life itself in order that others might be blessed. Jesus did this, and it is our privilege to follow in his steps.

QUESTIONS:

How many nations have there been on earth which could claim that the Lord is their God?

What is the position of Christians in relation to the kingdoms of this world?

What are the full implications of faithful ambassadorship?

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