We are citizens of heaven and citizens of the United States of America. We are commanded to set our affections on things above and not on things of the earth, where Christ sits at the right hand of God, and our love for America should never be greater than our love for our God and our heavenly home where we will enjoy His unbroken fellowship forever. This dual citizenship can bring about conflicts of interest and Paul provides some clear guidelines for a Christian’s obligation to government.

We are brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul teaches us an important lesson in Romans 16:3-12. As we are looking unto Jesus, we must be faithful in the matter of giving loving appreciation to those who serve.

How do we reconcile these two statements of the Gospel writers. Luke records that the Savior will bring peace. Matthew quotes Jesus saying, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.”