Jurisdiction Matters!

Text: Philippians 3:12-21

Most of us would prefer not to look silly. And yet, many of us (myself included) look ridiculous when we rail against whatever is troubling us about what’s happening in the world because we’ve failed to acknowledge the jurisdiction over those events. Paul provided us with warnings in Chapter 3 which can help us reconcile how our dual citizenship could and should play out in our lives… if we let it!

Turns out, apart from technology, the first century wasn’t all that different from today. People doing whatever they desired, no matter how shameful. And loudly proud of their defiance. Then, as now, this included some professing believers.

Shame is a function of guilt and guilt is a legal matter determined by jurisdiction. And what may be legal, or permissible in one jurisdiction, may not be in another.

Citizenship is also extremely important. Paul himself used his Roman citizenship in Acts 22. Verse 25 tells us he was about to be scourged when he asked the centurion “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?"  We learn in the next few verses by Roman he meant Roman citizen.

This scene illustrates there is a hierarchy to citizenship. Paul understood his Roman citizenship gave him certain privileges and he was smart enough to know how to use those privileges.

We can learn from that.

As our world struggles to understand how to live with the jurisdiction of social media added by technology over the last decade, Paul’s warnings and conclusions can provide comfort and guidance. Again… if we let them.

We cannot expect the jurisdictions of Facebook, Twitter, Capital Hill or the campus of our favorite university to be governed by Heavenly law. For the most part, they don’t even believe there is a God. So, when they attempt to shame us, declare us guilty of anything they find objectionable, we need to follow Paul’s Acts 22 example. Only in our case, we need to try our case in the Heavenly jurisdiction. The only legitimate jurisdiction as citizens of Heaven.

Even from prison, instead of complaining about his unjust imprisonment, Paul never lost sight of his heavenly citizenship. Actively focusing himself on forgetting the past, while simultaneously embracing the here and now and what lie ahead.

Yes, Jesus made it clear we would face difficulties and heartache as His followers. You may be experiencing that now. Follow the example of Paul, reminding yourself as often as necessary that your most important citizenship is your heavenly citizenship.

Be blessed!
Roy