Issue 1761 – Dual Citizens – June 30, 2025
Tomorrow will be Canada Day, a national day of celebration. There will be no Gleanings.
Happy Canada Day, one day early!
I’m Canadian-born and a Canadian citizen. I’m proud to be a Canadian. I’m not always proud of the things my government or other Canadians do, but that is a different story. Of all the countries I have visited in North America, Central America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, my first choice to live would be Canada.
To narrow it down further, although I have lived in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Alberta, and BC, my favorite province is Alberta for several reasons. Still, I’d rather live in most of those provinces over any other country.
Having said all that, my primary citizenship is elsewhere. As a follower of Jesus Christ, a Christian, my ultimate loyalty is to Him. My citizenship is in glory. I’m a dual citizen, holding a Canadian passport and sealed by the Holy Spirit.
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:20-21
I do my best to be a good Canadian citizen. I try to be honest and walk in integrity. I vote. I pay my taxes and I obey the law. I served in the military. Such practices are essential, and I believe all citizens should behave similarly.
I believe my Christian values help me to do that. Still, since my ultimate citizenship is elsewhere, I must follow God’s law if there are conflicts.
The Scripture commands us to be good citizens and to pray for those in power (see Jeremiah 29 and elsewhere). Jesus told the Pharisees to render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.
And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk. And they came and said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?” But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” And they brought one. And he said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar’s.” Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him. Mark 12:13-17
Strive to live up to being a good citizen of where you reside, but always put the things of God first. That isn’t always easy.
May the Lord give you the wisdom and strength to fulfill the obligations of both citizenships.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
__________________________________________
Please like and share this post with your friends and those in your circle of influence. Feel free to comment.
Did you know that we have an email version? It offers the same great content but in a different format. This is ideal for when you don’t want to check your Facebook or share with friends who don’t use Facebook.
___________________________________________
All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2025 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”
Can