Naturalized Citizens

Nº 261

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - August 1, 2023

The soul on earth is an immortal guest, compelled to starve at an unreal feast; a pilgrim panting for the rest to come; an exile, anxious for his native home. - Hannah More

A few weeks ago, I witnessed a naturalization ceremony. Over 90 people from 53 countries raised their right hands, took an oath of allegiance, and became citizens of the United States.

After the ceremony, I passed one of our new citizens on a walkway and offered my congratulations. He smiled broadly, looked me in the eye and simply said, “Thank you.” I’d never met him, don’t know his name, country of origin, or family history, but in that moment, we enjoyed a warm bond and meaningful connection. We were no longer strangers; we were fellow citizens.

As a devout Jew with Roman citizenship, Paul navigated numerous complex loyalty issues on his frequent journeys throughout the Mediterranean World. However, he always kept in mind his ultimate homeland and his true fellow citizens. He said, “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” (Ephesians 2:19)

Geographic boundaries and national loyalties have their place; we should be good citizens of our homelands. However, as Christians, our ultimate allegiance is not to this world. Align yourself with your forever fellow-citizens and invite others to the naturalization party available to all.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc