Conversation

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:  Philippians 3:20

Whoa, better rethink the last conversation I just had! Not a bad idea, but Paul was using a Greek word that went beyond our modern usage of this word.

Politeuma  1) the administration of civil affairs or of a commonwealth 2) the constitution of a commonwealth, form of government and the laws by which it is administered 3) a state, commonwealth a) the commonwealth of citizens

Simply put, it is our citizenship. Being a citizen of a country means we have rights and responsibilities. The legally enforceable duties of citizenship vary depending on one’s country, and may include such items as

• paying taxes
• serving on a jury
• serving in the country’s armed forces when called upon
• obeying the criminal laws enacted by one’s government, even while abroad

We are, in essence, a reflection of the nation we are raised in; it’s cultural, social, and political beliefs. So, do the conversations I am a part of during the course of my day represent the place of my citizenship? Where did you say you were from?

Philippians 1:20 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Politeamai 1) to be a citizen 2) to administer civil affairs, manage the state 3) to make or create a citizen a) to be a citizen b) to behave as a citizen 1) to avail one’s self of or recognize the laws 2) to conduct one’s self as pledged to some law of life

Let’s have fun and expound on this verse!

“Only let your citizenship, the administration of civil affairs and the management of the state, the creation of new citizens, your behavior as a citizen, the way you recognize and reflect your rights, privileges and responsibilities in your conduct as though you have pledged your life to uphold them; be as is suitable or worthy of the good news of God’s kingdom, His  gift of grace in the fullness of salvation through Jesus : that whether I (Paul) come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear in all that concerns and touches your lives, that you persist and stand firm in one spirit, with one mind working together as a team for the prize, for the faith of the gospel.”

Did I lose you? How about this – “Where are ya’ll from? You must be from the same country because you all talk alike. Are ya’ll together?”  – Did you get it that time? What does the world see when they see us? We are a convoy of heavenly envoys! Better yet, we’re top ranking ambassadors with a ministry of reconciliation working together with Christ.