Coffee With The Lord

“What kind of neighbors do you have?”  Ask that question and then just listen awhile…

People have a love – hate relationship with their neighbors… There are good neighbors – and there are bad ones. 

As a Christian – a Christ follower, how do you feel about your “neighbors?”  Better yet, how do they feel about you?  Being a “neighbor” is a big deal in the teaching of Jesus! (You should read about it – it’s the topic of one of his greatest parables – Luke 10:25-37)  But that’s not what prompted this “coffee with the Lord” – a passage from 1 Peter 2:11-20 did…

Our “influence” as “neighbors” matter – even when they’re obnoxious – even (no especially) when they are unbelievers – even when they persecute Christians!

Here is what the Bible says…

“Beloved, I urge you … keep your conduct among the Gentiles [the “unconverted” – those who are NOT believers] honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation… Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. [In other words be good citizens!]  For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. [Listen, your influence matters!]  Live as people who are free, but never use your freedom as a cover-up for evil, instead live as servants of God.  Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.  Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. ²⁰ For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.” (From 1 Peter 2:11-20)

The challenge?  Being a good, godly “neighbor” in your neighborhood, your community, your region, and your nation!  Oh, the potential (even when “persecuted”) of influencing someone positively for the Lord Jesus Christ and the gospel!  I want to be that kind of neighbor!

Here’s the holiday schedule for “Digging Deeper: Discovery Bible Study”…

There will be NO live Bible studies: November 24, December 1, 22, and 29, or January 5There WILL be live Bible studies: December 8, 15 and January 12

Taped Bible studies from previous weeks will, however be available (with note-taking devices) at: https://bibleengagementproject.com/diggingdeeper…

Dual citizenship … That’s how it works for those who swear allegiance to “The Kingdom of Heaven” and also an earthly kingdom! And the reality is, for Christians, one trumps the other if there is a conflict of loyalty, values or “law.” And in that case, the “Kingdom of Heaven” (it’s laws and values) must win!.

Now, don’t get me wrong – I seek to be a good citizen of the United States! I pay my taxes, I vote, I obey it’s laws (insofar as they do not violate my “higher allegiance”)… and I pray fervently for our President (whoever he or she is), our Congress, Supreme Court, as well as state and local leaders. I seek to be a positive influence and contributor within my nation, my community and my neighborhood. But my primary allegiance is to my Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ (my Savior) the Holy Spirit, and the guidance of God’s word.

Which brings me to the purpose of this post today…

I’m concerned… I fear some of my Christian friends have lost sight of where their “primary allegiance” is to be placed. They seem to prioritize political solutions for the ills in society… they look to political leaders to function as their “messiah”… for legislation to deal decisively with fundamentally “sin” problems. All of those things have their place, and our influence as Christians should be felt, but ultimately, as a Christian, I am a member of “the Kingdom of Heaven” … that is my primary loyalty – and my primary accountability is to God!

It’s a tension I live with every day… dual citizenship!

That’s why what I read this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord” is so important to me…

Here’s my primary loyalty (or if “push comes to shove” as some say)… “Since I call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear! For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” (1 Peter 1:17-19 ESV)

So, I purpose to do my best to be a “good citizen” of the United States (my country of physical origin)… but my PRIMARY LOYALTY is to the “Kingdom of Heaven” – my Heavenly Father, the Lord Jesus Christ (my Savior), the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and God’s Word.