As we enjoy summer, it’s a good time use our more relaxed schedule to reflect on what God has been and is doing in our lives. As we celebrated July 4th, here is a second devotion that helps us understand our responsibility as Kingdom citizens in earthly kingdoms:

IN WORD – Imagine visiting a children’s home funded and directed by a wealthy benefactor. Most of the children are well clothed, well fed, and well supplied with toys and games. But a few are barefoot, dirty, wearing tattered shirts, bony, and excluded from recreational activities. They are left to fend for themselves, perhaps because they don’t quite fit in, or maybe because they haven’t behaved as well as the others. Regardless of the reason, the discrepancy is disturbing. It raises all kinds of questions about the benefactor and his staff. And when you find out this was not his intention—that he has provided plenty of resources for everyone—your anger turns toward whomever is squandering the funds. Someone has clearly discriminated against the poor children and violated all sense of goodness. It seems so wrong.
It is wrong. That’s a picture of how hungry children might appear to an objective observer of God’s Kingdom. Surely no one would expect exact equity among every child, but none should be hungry. That doesn’t fit the culture of His Kingdom by anyone’s definition—except perhaps the privileged children’s. To everyone else, it makes no sense.

IN DEED – This is not a political issue best addressed by government policy. It’s a spiritual issue that tests the hearts of God’s people. As John points out centuries later, the love of God within a person will compel that person to care for the hungry and hurting (1 John 3:17). The absence of that care reflects an absence of the love of God. That’s a problem. A big one.
Make it a practice to ask God what’s on His heart. He will highlight a variety of expressions of His love, and this will often be one of them. He doesn’t want anyone in His Kingdom to be poor, and He wants His Kingdom to extend everywhere. That has huge implications for us. And it compels us to express His love very practically and tangibly. “When we turn our backs on the poor, we turn them on Jesus Christ.” – Mother Teresa (in “Heaven on Earth” by Chris Tiegreen)

This week I had the privilege to worship with the ECC Taiwan short-term mission team at Bethany Children’s Home and Foundation. I’ve had a chance to visit Bethany several times and to see the work they are doing among broken families and children in need of love.
But one doesn’t need to go to Taiwan to be Kingdom citizens. One need only go to downtown Seattle or the Ave by the UW. Even certain Eastside communities have ministries to the poor in body and spirit.
Have you taken the time to listen to what the Holy Spirit is asking you to do in this regard? Take time to reflect on Matthew 25 (especially the last parable), 2 Corinthians 9, and James 2 this week. Reflect on whether you’ve turned your back to Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see with Jesus’ eyes and enjoy His favor watching you being a good citizen of His Kingdom (Matthew 6:1-5). Have a blessed week! From Taipei, Pastor Sam