I'm Australian, through and through. Yet, now I'm also Canadian, it still feels a bit weird.
After living in Australia for almost 30 years I moved to Canada with my wife and kids about four years ago and recently completed the citizenship process to become a Canadian.
As I reflect on this I realise a couple of things in regards to my citizenships.
Choosing to become Canadian
Becoming a Canadian was of my own will and choosing (with God's direction). There were several good reasons for me to make this decision, including: identification as a Canadian for travel purposes, no more paperwork to fill out to remain a resident, opportunity to have an official voice in the system and to make a commitment to the country I currently call home.
In the process I had to pay money to the government, fill out paperwork, sit a test on my knowledge of the country, attend a ceremony and ultimately affirm I would obey the law and serve the Queen. What of these activities have I done as an Australian citizen? None.
Born an Aussie
My citizenship as an Australian began the day I was born. I had no choice in the matter and there was no paperwork for me to complete (that's something my parents must have done).
Ironically, I did not officially affirm an allegiance to the queen (even though I have been technically under her rule all my life) until I took part in the oath at the ceremony in Canada. I could also very well fail an Australian Citizenship test for my knowledge of its history, society and culture.
Despite not actually doing anything to become Australian, being an Aussie still resonates deep within me. I think there is however, much to be said for a verbal commitment to our nation and a school system that focuses on our heritage and culture, especially as we become even more multicultural.
Heavenly citizenship
The reality is, no matter what citizenship papers I hold, where I was born or choose to settle, my eternal citizenship is in heaven with my Father. This is the citizenship of all citizenships and our paperwork is the Holy Spirit within and our name written in the book of life.
Like my Canadian citizenship, a heavenly citizenship is achieved by a verbal commitment to serve the one in charge (in this case God) and, following my profession of faith, I need to abide by the laws governing my citizenship (in this situation the law of God).
While the swearing in ceremony may not be public (although it's important to later be part of a public baptism/confirmation), it is essential for one to receive these new citizenship papers by oath. This confession must include affirmation of your decision to make Jesus as Lord and a belief God raised Him from the dead (Romans chapter 10, verse 9).
Contrary to my Australian citizenship, none of us are physically born with rights to heaven. However, at the time of our swearing in ceremony (point of conversion) we are spiritually born again (John chapter 3, verses 1-8).
Unlike the multiple step process to become Canadian, this life transforming moment is only achieved with a simple but powerful statement of intent.
- No money can buy salvation; because none of us would be rich enough.
- We don't have any paperwork to fill out, or application forms to send in; because there is no reason why we should be approved, except the love and grace of God.
- There is no test of knowledge or pass mark; because really we don't know anything. Instead, the book with the answers (the Bible) should be read daily as a continued source of learning, not become a dust covered resource used once long ago to pass a test.
- It doesn't even matter if I have a criminal record or am a 'goody goody'. The truth is, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and the penalty for sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus.
In the end, this is the citizenship that counts. The paperwork describing my country of origin or current residency does not go with me at death and should not create my identity.
I am proudly Australian and Canadian, but I want to be even prouder as a Christ follower, who has received a God-given identity and inheritance! While Aussie blood runs through my veins (although sometimes it feels frozen in the Canadian winter), I have also made a public declaration of intent to embrace and serve Canada.
Yet, in light of my faith in Christ, my true citizenship is one by birth (born again) and verbal oath and promises much more than any earthly government can.
Tim Wilsonis an Australian currently living in Canada with his wife (also a comment writer) and their three children. He is passionate about the Church living according to the Word of God and authors a blog to inspire and challenge men and women of faith.www.abrokenmanblog.com
Tim Wilson's previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/tim-wilson.html