Are We Strangers In A Strange Land?

Did Paul or any other NT writer criticize the secular authorities? Did they speak out against the Roman Empire, Caesar or other secular government officials or secular political issues? Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 5:12, "What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?"

Here is the concern about the topic of political engagement with the secular governments of mankind. When we read the NT, which informs us about how to live as a citizen of God's kingdom within the kingdoms of man. We don't see believers being told to speak out against secular authorities. However, we do see believers being told to pray for secular leaders.

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. - 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Jesus said that His kingdom was not of this world, it was from another place. Jesus didn't send the disciples out to convince the secular nations to conform to a Christian social ethic. He sent them out to invite all people from every nation into the Kingdom of God. To become citizens of a new kingdom that was not of this world. Who's King is from heaven.

The so-called leaders of the Christian community should speak out against things like abortion or sexual immorality but within the sphere of the body of Christ. As new believers come into the Kingdom they bring with them their secular views. They need to be taught that these views must now conform to a NT perspective.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 12:2 (NIV)

We are now strangers and aliens to this world.

...as aliens and strangers in the world, ...  - 1 Peter 2:11 (NIV)

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. - Hebrews 11:13-16 (NIV)

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, - Philippians 3:20

Strangers and aliens don't go into another nation and tell them that must conform to their ways without adopting their King as their new leader. Believers are to live as ambassadors of Christ not as antagonist of secular governments. The NT informs us that Christians should live as model citizens within every form of secular governments. However, today Christians want to tell non-believers to conform to Christian values apart from becoming followers of Jesus. I just don't see anything like that in the NT.

Our business should be about the gospel of God's kingdom not secular kingdoms.

As believers, we are a nation unto ourselves.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. -  1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. - 2 Timothy 2:4 (NIV)

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