Today we look at a practical concern. If we choose to love our enemies as Jesus taught, does this keep us from doing our part in society? That is, if we don’t participate in wars or other governmental roles that require killing.
The early Christians were criticized in just this way, because they didn’t participate in killing people. The handout – Can Christians be good citizens? was written by an ancient Christian responding to this criticism.
Today, it is put like this: Doesn’t this amount to irresponsibility? Aren’t you enjoying the benefits, without paying the price? So that you are a slacker, a freeloader, or as one person famously put it – a parasite.
First of all, I want to put this in a Christian context and so –
Let’s remember who we are as Christians
- “Our citizenship is in heaven” as Paul says in Philippians 3:2.
- Jesus is our ruler. In Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus tells us that he has all authority in heaven and on earth, and that we are to obey everything that he teaches us.
- We are a part of a new, “holy nation” as Peter says in 1 Peter 2:9, speaking of the church. And our nation is made up of people “from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” (Revelation 7:9) who are submitted to Jesus and citizens of the kingdom of God.
- We are “strangers and exiles on the earth” who are “seeking a homeland. . .. that is, a heavenly one” – Hebrews 11:13-16. As Jesus says in John 17, we are ‘in the world but not of it.’
So, I think, the issue is not so simple. It is not for fear of suffering if we don’t go to war. Many have suffered and died for holding this very belief of loving enemies. And it is not from irresponsibility if we don’t go to war. The lives of many who hold this are characterized by responsibility, hard work and sacrifice. Rather –
This is a clash of allegiances
It comes from our dual citizenship. We are citizens of this country, but also of the kingdom of God. And when there is a conflict (on whatever issue), we are to be true to our heavenly citizenship. That is, if the government tells us to do one thing, and Jesus another – we go with Jesus.
In Mark 12:17 Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Yes, Caesar (the government) has some claim on us, but God has the ultimate claim. Peter put it like this in Acts 5:29 when the authorities told him to disobey Jesus, “We must obey God rather than men.”
So, if Jesus forbids me to kill another person, then even if my government commands me to do so, and punishes me if I don’t, I can’t do it. This is to go against my faith and my conscience. It would be sin for me (Romans 14:23).
So, yes, if only looked at from the point of view of worldly citizenship, then it will indeed look like I’m irresponsible. But we have to take into account that I am a citizen of the kingdom of God also. And from the perspective of the Christian, we have to first and foremost be concerned with what Jesus thinks of us, as opposed to what the world thinks of us. The real question is: Are we being faithful to our citizenship in heaven? This is the only question that will be asked on the final day.
Now lets look at -
What we can do
Just because we can’t do some things, like kill people when the government wants us to, doesn’t mean that there aren’t other things we can do that mark us as good and responsible citizens. Indeed, even as strangers and exiles in this country, God says to us “seek the welfare of the city [place] where I have sent you into exile” – Jeremiah 29:7.
How do we do this?
- We submit to our government – Romans 13:1. “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” We are to live exemplary lives, and be no cause for trouble.
- We pay taxes, which, yes, in part pay for what happens in war. Jesus was speaking of taxes in particular when he said in Mark 12:17 to render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s. Paul says in Romans 13:7, “Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed.”
- We disciple people to be like Jesus – Matthew 28:19-20. As people believe the gospel and are transformed by Christ, they become people of conscience and character, which makes them better citizens. We have an impact on society in this way.
- We work for the common good – Jeremiah 29:7. As Christians we are called to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. And so we work to help with the problems of society and to care for the needy: the poor, the homeless, troubled youth, etc.. And by doing so we make a difference in broader society.
- We pray for the nation we live in – Jeremiah 29:7. The full verse says, “seek the welfare of the city/place where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Paul seems to be reflecting back on this verse in 1 Timothy 2:1-2. He says, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
- In times of war, we pray. We pray for God’s will. We pray against evil. We pray for peace and the well-being of the country; for what is best for it, as well as for our enemies. If we understand things rightly, then we know that God is the one who determines whether a nation stands or falls; if a war is won or lost – not the size or power of the military. It is God who gives peace and security (Psalm 20:7; 33:16-17; 146:3). And since this is true, we know that prayer is the real key to what happens, even in a war. And this is a job that Christians are uniquely suited to take up. The only question is, ‘Do we take prayer this seriously?’ In Scripture prayer changes the path of history. But do we actually believe this?
- In times of war can we offer noncombatant service? (combat medic?). This has been more controversial for Mennonites, but some have served in this way. This certainly seems more possible now, since, as I understand it, the military allows one to serve without swearing an oath. Here you take up what is seen as the responsibility of citizenship, with risk and all, but without killing. A real concern, however, stems from the fact that the military’s training is very effective at getting people to kill others. And so anyone who went in to serve in a noncombatant role would have to be strong enough in their faith to resist such indoctrination.
- In times of war we can perform alternative service. This is doing other work of national importance that also requires some form of sacrifice on our part. This has been an important part of the Mennonite response to war since WWII.
Can we be good citizens while loving our enemies?
I believe that it is possible to ‘seek the welfare’ of our country, while being true to our citizenship in the kingdom of God. Even if we can’t do everything the State wants of us, out of a desire to be faithful to Jesus, we can do many good things. Indeed, we should be known for our good works and service. And if this is not enough to make others see us as good citizens, then we still should act for the welfare of our country, because we do it not for their approval, but God’s.
