I disagree. I truly do. Here's why:
Paul in no way disclaimed his Roman citizenship and even raised the issue when he was about to be unlawfully scourged. As a citizen of Rome, he knew that he had rights and he exercised them:
Acts 22: 22-29 "They listened to him up to this statement, and then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he should not be allowed to live!†And as they were crying out and throwing off their cloaks and tossing dust into the air, the commander ordered him to be brought into the barracks, stating that he should be examined by scourging so that he might find out the reason why they were shouting against him that way. But when they stretched him out with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?†When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and told him, saying, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman.†The commander came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?†And he said, “Yes.†The commander answered, “I acquired this citizenship with a large sum of money.†And Paul said, “But I was actually born a citizen.†Therefore those who were about to examine him immediately let go of him; and the commander also was afraid when he found out that he was a Roman, and because he had put him in chains.
If it is idolatry to claim citizenship of our earthly nation, then even Paul the Apostle, was an idolator. I don't believe that for a minute... Now, one might say that Paul was simply exercising his rights, but would refuse to show allegiance to Rome. Only that would be hypocrisy. It would be the height of hypocrisy for anyone to demand the rights of citizenship while refusing to show allegiance to one's earthly nation. Part of showing allegiance is to obey all the laws of the land, (Romans 13) as well as to "render to Caesar that which is Caesar's" which, while the letter of what Jesus is speaking of is to pay one's taxes, the spirit is also to render all that is due one's earthly government and part of what every nation expects of it's citizens is their allegiance.
The idea that patriotic citizens who are also Christians believe there is no need to "win the world for Christ" is ludicrous. Some of the most ardent workers in the harvest I know are also some of the most patriotic people I know.
Having said that...I'm bowing out of this thread, mainly because I don't like the tone. No one is more sanctified or holy than anyone else around here...we are all but sinner's saved by grace...that includes everyone. :bigfrown