I need to talk to my fellow American Christians for a moment.

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.

Colossians 2:9-12

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

Romans 13:1-4

You often hear people say nowadays that they don’t trust the government. Fine. But do you trust Jesus?

Be a good subject of Jesus. Uncle Sam wants his taxes? Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s. Someone is abusing their privilege to take advantage of you? Give him your tunic along with your cloak. These things make you a really bad American but ignoring them means ignoring Jesus.

Our job as Christians is to be Christlike, even when that makes us out of step with the people around us. By all means, vote, exercise your own rights, be a full citizen of your earthly nation! But do not neglect your permanent home in heaven. Better to be a humble pilgrim on earth and a child of the king in Heaven than a prosperous and powerful citizen on earth and a miserable soul in eternal punishment.

Ethan Kirl