Luke 9.51-62 and Galatians 5.1-2, 13-15

what kind of freedom is this

Soon Americans will engage in the annual celebration of the founding of the nation. We call it Independence Day, remembering that freedom from oppression is the moral center of America, what one historian called the greatest ongoing social experiment ever conceived. There will the patriotic speeches, fireworks, parades and flag waving along with family picnics. All of which is mostly good fun as a party should be. But in some way we will remember that this is more than a big party, and not just about having fun, especially when our mostly young people are waging war on behalf of our nation. That fact alone brings a somber tone to the party. On the streets in my neighborhood a volunteer group will place flags at every mailbox including my own.

All of this presents a dilemma for Christians; or at least it could if we raised certain disturbing questions. It does for me as I consider Jesus’ call to follow him, without offering excuses along the way, even ones that sound reasonable. Jesus call to follow him is pointed: “no one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” This is a summons to give my total allegiance to him. Total allegiance? Well what does that mean for everything else to which I give allegiance, including my country?

What is the relation of the Church to the State? I know they are not the same, how then how do I practice my citizenship in each? In one I am citizen in a community of Jesus’ followers practicing a peculiar way of life that even includes suffering for the sake of his cause. In the other, I am a citizen of a nation-state governed by a constitution that obligates me to certain social practices and allegiances, that include suffering for it. Of course, when the two are in complete agreement there is not a problem. But when they aren’t, historically the moral challenge has been acute. The struggles of those who sough full inclusion in the American dream are only one example.

On the one hand, Jesus’ says: follow me. Period. No excuses. On the other hand, there are these other demands.

Years ago, my pastor in college spoke frequently about the need for thoughtful Christians to practice dual citizenship. He believed that dual citizenship in the most responsible way that Christians can bring their deepest commitments to the practice of national citizenship without sacrificing those convictions that might bring them into confrontation with the laws of the land when they are unjust according to God’s law. I like the practical wisdom of that advice, but still some questions remain for me.

For instance, if my allegiance to Jesus Christ is total, then there necessary limits to my pledge of allegiance to the flag and the republic for which it stands? Are those Christians most truthful who refuse to pledge allegiance to the flag, not because they are unpatriotic but because they are most truthful about the limits of their allegiance? If so, does a Christian practice the deepest patriotism by practicing truthfulness about the limits of his or her allegiance?

Many Christians living in the United States never even consider the question of Christian discipleship and citizenship. The question itself probably seems odd perhaps even blasphemous. I passed a church the other day that had twenty foot American flag over the entrance to the sanctuary. What is that message? Are people entering a sanctuary to learn how to follow Jesus, without excuse, or is something else going on?

On Sundays we pledge our allegiance to Jesus Christ. Period. But what about Monday through Saturday? Could Jesus’ call to follow him without reservation bring the community of his followers to a serious conversation about how that allegiance informs our practice of responsible citizenship in a world of war, torture, genocide, predatory global economics, environmental degradation and more? These are tough questions without easy answers. Yet I believe they are important to the task being dual citizens in the community of Christ and the nation.

Gerhard Lohfink says congregations are called to be “a contrast society” for the sake of God’s transforming purposes in the world. If the community of those who follow Jesus is identical with the society – adopting all its practices without challenge or question - then how can we present any contrast, and if the church present no contrast, no way of life that is compelling then has the church lost its purpose? Or as Jesus said, “if salt has lost it savor than what good is it?”

Over the next few days, we will here a great deal about freedom. A good thing, indeed. But what does it mean in practice? Does that mean I am free to do whatever I please as long as it doesn’t bother you? Am I free to spend my time exactly the way I want even it means shopping until I can shop no more, or ignoring my neighbors whose plight disturbs my conscience? Well, yes and no. It depends upon the community to which you give your final allegiance. The clearer we are about our roles as dual citizens, the better off we will be and the clearer will be the witness of the Church in our time.

Freedom for the Christian is not simply another word for self-indulgence, doing whatever I please, whenever I please. Neither is freedom just another word for nothing left to lose. Christian freedom, says the Apostle Paul, is the freedom to be servants of one another and love our neighbors. Wow. What kind of freedom is this? It’s freedom within the limits of love for one another. It’s Spirit and Service. In other words, life in the Spirit is a life of love and service that builds up the Other. The evidence of freedom, for the follower of Jesus, is the practice of love in which the Other is lifted up. This is life in the Spirit and Paul says the fruit of it is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There is no law against such things.

Try that on this week.