"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."
Last week I had the privilege of witnessing nearly 90 people from over 40 countries, including a very dear friend from Iraq, take this oath to become naturalized citizens of the United States of America. It was amazing. America truly is a melting pot.
Z and I were talking on the way home. This process of a citizen relinquishing his/her allegiance to one country in order "support and defend" another is such a rich example of our life in Christ. As citizens of heaven we are no longer bound or subject to the world. This place is not our home. How liberating!
"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."
Philippians 3:20
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