I’m a citizen of a different kingdom (Phil 3:20), and so my interest in American politics is only as an outsider. I’m just here as an ambassador, proclaiming a message for the King of all kings (2 Cor 5:20). I’m also a soldier, advancing the interests of my homeland and being careful not to get too caught up in civilian affairs (2 Tim 2:3-4). No matter what, I always try to keep the words of my King in mind when He said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (Jn 18:36).
According to Him, my role here in this foreign land is to do everything I can to transform it and heal it; but ultimately, I’m here to help people emigrate from it to my homeland. My orders are simple: to live out and to tell the incredible story of the innocent Prince-turned-Diplomat whose outrageous murder brought about the best and most lasting peace ever. It’s an incredible calling! These foreigners I rub shoulders with every day tend to have the wrong view of my country, so I’m happy to help change their perception any time I can. It’s exciting for me to imagine a day when the average citizen here says: “Christians? Oh, yeah, those are the people who are always kind even to their enemies and sacrifice to serve even the poorest of the poor. It must have something to do with God’s love and forgiveness through Jesus, like they are always talking about.”
That doesn’t mean I don’t care about the welfare of America. I do. I’m aware of our Christian obligation to work and pray for the welfare of the foreign city where we live (Jer 29:7), and I frequently spend my free time doing exactly that. I pray regularly for revival in our churches and stability in our society, but I’ll admit my prayers and expectations for our national leaders aren’t all that lofty—merely that they’ll pursue public policies which enable us to “lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Tim 2:2).
The fact is, I’m always going to be an alien here in the United States of America, and so I’m not overly concerned with questions about earthly kings and their kingdoms. Don’t misunderstand. I will probably vote on November 8, but I know I’ll feel a little out of place doing it, like a traveler nominating the best hotel manager before I check out and head for home.