Okay,
so I’m an anglophile.
Everything British attracts me, particularly teas and royalty. I love the ambiance and tasty treats of tea – the whole idea of luxuriating in good food, beautiful surroundings and good conversation. And royalty? I love pomp and circumstance, beautiful clothes and spacious and gorgeous locations.
Since
a royal wedding just occurred between Prince Harry and American Meghan Markle,
the subject of kingdoms got me thinking. The kingdom of Great Britain and the
Kingdom of God.
Everything British attracts me, particularly teas and royalty.
What
are the new purposes and destiny of Meghan’s life – as that of a royal –
compared to the those that might surround me as a daughter of the eternal king?
These are a few items that came to mind:
Taking
on a New Name and Purpose
Meghan’s
title when marrying into the British Royal family became Her Royal Highness,
the Duchess of Sussex. Meghan's purpose is to participate in social public
engagements (charity work), provide service and duty to others and serve as a
representative of the Queen.
My
title when I accepted Christ and became a "Christian":
I
will give him...a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who
receives it...I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city
of My God, the new Jerusalem…. Revelation 2:17; 3:12
My
purpose is to demonstrate Christ’s love, character and attitude towards others
and serve as a representative of Jesus Christ.
Dress
Code
The
Royal Family's dress code is for modesty. Family members should present an
image that is clean-cut and presentable at all times, so that they represent
their kingdom well.
My
dress code is to be focused on "clothing myself" with
character qualities that reflect Christ and his kingdom.
Therefore,
as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves
with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12
Community
Joined
Meghan has become a part of
the British royal family and the nation of Britain.
I have become a part of
God’s world-wide community of faith.
And let us consider how we
may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting
together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and
all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
Lifestyle
Changes
Meghan
moved locations, quit her previous profession, left behind her personal social
media accounts and joined a new community. She gave up some personal autonomy
and personal plans to become part of - and wholly participate in - this new
community and its purposes.
As
a follower of Jesus, I did not have to move locations or quit my profession.
However, joining this community - the Kingdom of God - guides all of my social
interactions and relationships. My role as a member of this Kingdom greatly
influences my desires and plans as I live out my Christian faith.
Duty
Meghan's
duty is to honor and support the Queen, who is the focus for Britain's national
identity, unity and pride, and who gives the nation a sense of stability and
continuity. Meghan will express this support through charity work, appearing at
events, traveling to strengthen diplomatic relationships, and connecting with
the public.
As
a Christian, my duty is to glorify Christ, to honor him. He is the focus of my
identity, the church’s unity and through his Spirit, provides stability and
continuity with the church throughout all time. I support Jesus and God’s
kingdom through living a life of love and service toward others and proclaiming
the message of the Gospel.
* * * *
Meghan
and I do share some values in common – we believe that our lives have a bigger
purpose than just focusing on our wants and desires. We believe that we can
honor our Sovereign and serve others, using our role to bring about good in our
world. We believe that we have been chosen to promote the values and principles
of our Sovereign.
As
I said, I love everything British. But more than loving any country’s culture
or values, I love Jesus and believe that his kingdom reigns supreme. I also
believe that we, as citizens of that kingdom, are called to live our lives
keeping his principles and values in mind. I am honored to be a beloved
daughter of the King.
I
hope like me, these few examples between Meghan and I have encouraged you in
your service to others because of your love for the eternal King. These
differences help me remember that my true loyalty lies with his kingdom.
- Julie
