Nougat 25

Are you familiar with the Pledge of Allegiance ? It’s an oath made in the United States of America, especially in schools and at citizenship swearing-in ceremonies. For those who made the USA home through the naturalization route, there is a sense in which reciting the Pledge confirms prioritizing American status over another national identity. The person would have proven familiarity with the law and customs, highlights of American history and some fluency in the language. In turn, s/he has access to fundamental rights and privileges not available to foreigners. As we reflect on Today’s Holy Nougat, we can opt to identify our rights as believers.

“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As believers we are kingdom citizens. So, we make our own oath of allegiance on confession of Jesus Christ as Lord of our lives. As we live in earthly territory while representing Heaven as emissaries, we must be familiar with historical details and the customs of Heaven applicable on earth.

Please note

It’s not that we become ‘so Heavenly-bound that we’re of no earthly good’. It’s that we always seek to prioritize Heaven’s mandate. That’s what we repeat in the Lord’s Prayer time and again: ‘Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven’. Or we choose to take a Christ-centered approach to life, even during (or rather especially when facing) trying circumstances. We remember that Christ Who conquered death is not daunted by the trials that come our way.

Setting our minds on Heavenly things can be about ensuring that we continuously remind ourselves of Jesus’ capabilities and how He supported others who follow Him. It also is about us knowing our rights as citizens. Let’s continue to reflect on them in anticipation of the crisis.

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May all we seek be found in Christ