A few years ago I acquired my first passport in anticipation of traveling to Guinea.  Before I could even arrange to meet with the passport representative at the post office, I had to have my passport picture taken, dig my birth certificate out of the safe, and answer the basic questions on the application form regarding my name, date of birth, sex, mailing address, and so on.  A section of the form also asked about my parents, specifically the name, date and place of birth, and whether or not they were US citizens.  Various other miscellaneous questions were also asked, such as who my emergency contact was and what my travel plans were.  I remember taking the completed form with the required documentation and presenting these materials to the postal authority.  When he was certain that the application and other documentation were in order, I was asked to raise my right hand to take an oath.   Then it was time to wait for its arrival.

Passports are legal documents issued by the country where one is a citizen, allowing the passport's owner the opportunity to visit other countries.  My passport was the document I needed to enter into France and Guinea.  It was also my ticket in Atlanta so I could make the final leg of the trip home to Kansas City.  It was my evidence confirming that I was who I said I was.  

We have another passport given to us on the day of our baptism, issued by God, stating that we are chosen citizens of His kingdom, and that we recognize Him as our Father.  It lists us as the owners, allowing us access to any place of our choosing, because of free will.    

Let's imagine how we would feel if we had to show our God issued passport to gain access into some of the locations we visit.    Would we buy a ticket to watch certain movies on the big screen if we knew we would have to show our passport to the attendant?  Would we visit some internet sites if we had to type in the passport number in order to gain access?  Would we enjoy watching some TV shows as much if we knew the Neilson ratings organization was tracking our viewing habits in regards to passport documentation?  Would we check out some of the books from the library if we also had to scan our passport's ID strip along with the library card?    Would we seek alcohol, illegal drugs, or other vices if the seller had to place a stamp in our passport book every time we purchased these items to "fix the aches and sorrows?"

It's easy to take part in activities, to be a part of a crowd, and to lose sight of the fact that God is always watching.  He realizes that because of sin, we fail to meet His expectations, but He also hopes that we will strive to turn from our foolish and destructive desires to be a part of a different group.  A group that will proudly and boldly profess that He is God, to confess to others that our heavenly-issued passport is worth fighting for to remain His children.

Unlike my government issued passport which can be taken away if I do an illegal act, my God issued passport is mine to keep throughout my life.  The only way God will not accept this documentation is if I renounce my citizenship in His kingdom.  I must continue to look to the cross and rest in the assurance that it is by His grace that I have been saved, not by the number of awards I've received, pats on the back, or how many people I have positively influenced.  It's only by grace through faith in Christ.  That's it.  

May our individual passports, issued by our Heavenly Father, be used to bring others to Him through the choices we daily make.

Enjoying the ride,