In a nation where its citizens ardently defend their individualistic autonomy, privacy, and rights (assuming they have this) such a news flash is effective in instilling fear. The powers-that-be can control the masses if the people are incapacitated and distracted by fear of impending doom.
However, for God's people - this report merely envigorates our faith. We realize that this is nothing new. That's the way empires have always operated. They have an insatiable hungr for control. The report merely threatens people's illusions about freedom and autonomy.
When we are centered in our "Promised Land" through faith in our Lord, we know where our real citizenship lies. And we know that no earthly power can rob us of our priveleges in him - or gain access to our inner thoughts. Our earthly status is irrelevent. Even if we are a slave on earth, in Christ we are free - free to be his slaves. That's what matters.
This report arouses either anxiety or faith - depending on which lens we read it through. Here's the test: After reading the article, which report dominates your thoughts: This recent news flash about your identity, or the apostle Paul's report about your identity - from Romans 8:
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14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in FEAR again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs —heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
(...)
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died —more than that, who was raised to life —is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”[j]
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
