In the early 70’s Chevrolet defined America as “baseball, hotdogs, apple pie and (of course) Chevrolet.” At that time one of my friends and his family became naturalized American citizens. It was a time of great joy. To celebrate we gave them a baseball, a can of Vegelinks (they were vegetarians), an apple pie and a Chevrolet. The Chevrolet was a model that cost us $4.95. It was all we could afford. Their joy came to mind as I read Ephesians 2:19. “You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household.”
So what things could we mention to aid us in defining our new citizenship? Someone mentioned a crown. Honestly, I’m not interested in a crown neither streets of gold nor a mansion. Paul does mention in 2Timothy 4:8 a crown of righteousness. That’s okay. Actually that’s more than okay. That is terrific. As for golden streets, forget it. I would rather have beautiful green grass streets. Citizenship in God’s Kingdom need not be about material stuff. From the plethora of yard sales I see each weekend I opine that people grow tired of their things.
A few verses later in chapter 3:20 Paul wrote, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” That is not hinting that we should not bother to wonder and speculate. Our imaginations are one of our gifts. Our imaginations are the seedbed of dreams and aspirations. I would love to hear from you regarding this. If you were defining God’s Kingdom what would you mention in place of “baseball, hotdogs, apple pie and Chevrolet”?
Written by Roger Bothwell on November 1, 2013
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org