Citizenship

God Bless America, https://youtu.be/syOEI9y7miM?si=tSCC6EPZA6pCm1UB

“But our citizenship is in heaven.
And we eagerly await a Savior from there,
the Lord Jesus Christ.”
~Philippians 3:20~

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,
the new creation has come: 
The old has gone, the new is here!”
~2 Corinthians 5:17~

I’ve not really given much thought to my citizenship. I’m a natural-born citizen of the United States of America, so I imagine that’s my only alibi for not thinking about it. I’m wagering that those who go through the process may likely know more about their citizenship of their adopted homeland than natural-borns, such as myself, although I like to think I’m more well-versed in my country’s history through the process of homeschooling my own children; it’s given me ample time for review!

Citizenship is simply a status that you are born into, and it comes with advantages but also responsibilities. As it is said, with more privileges come more responsibilities (sounds like raising a teenager, quite frankly). For one desiring to achieve citizenship in the U.S., there is a timeline, a cost, and many requirements demanded of the applicant.

Citizenship was free for me; not, however, for my friends born outside of the United States. Scrolling down the membership process, you must apply for naturalization, set up a biometrics appointment, obtain a citizenship interview and undergo an exam, and then finally take the Oath of Allegiance. The closest thing on this list I’ve ever had to perform was the last one, when I would say the Pledge of Allegiance in my elementary school classroom during morning announcements.

I understand the principle of the process. Taking an English language test would qualify a person to be able to successfully thrive in their new country. The civics test, which assesses knowledge of U.S. history and government, might be a great refresher for all adults to take! And after it all? Congratulations! You’re now approved to vote and run for office, perhaps gain better employment opportunities and finally not have to fill out endless immigration forms at every corner.

I stand amazed at the vigilance required of my friends to go through the citizenship process. The striking thing about this for me is the strong metaphor that is achieved when I think about my citizenship in heaven. I am not required to go through any exams, appointments, or fingerprinting, and the exhaustive bill has already been paid! The only requirement is for me to say “Yes, please! I want to be a citizen of heaven! Forgive me my human folly and help me be more like you, Jesus!” It’s as John 1:12 prescribes:  But to all who believed and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God.” And He writes off the debt and waves me into His heavenly country. And it is toward this heavenly country that I earnestly strive to obtain, the eternal land that I love, my eternal home sweet home.

“God bless America, my home sweet home.”
~Kate Smith~