“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;” – Philippians 3:20
Jesus made it clear to His disciples that we, along with Him, are going to be hated because we “are not of the world” (John 15:19). This can prove very difficult for us to live as heavenly citizens because it can invite hateful mistreatment in our society. Tim Keller, when discussing God’s people living in a pagan culture, said, “[God’s] people are neither to withdraw from it nor assimilate to it. They are to remain distinct but engaged.” This beautifully describes how we ought to view our role in our neighborhoods, cities, and our nation. We are not to conform to their ways, but live as followers of Jesus engaging our culture with the purpose of being shining lights to those who don’t know God.
How can you engage your culture/society in the power of the Gospel today?
