Danish poet Johan Ludvig Heiberg (1791-1860) created a fairytale about a schoolmaster named Grimmermann who accidently falls into a hole that lands him 70,000 fathoms under the earth and into the world of the gnomes. Grimmermann feels entitled because he received a royal commission from the king of Denmark. However, when he pompously announces his royal commission to the gnomes, expecting to be treated with respect and dignity, he is shocked to discover that the gnomes don’t care. They are completely unimpressed by his royal commission. His Majesty appointed him to some work considered important in Denmark, but it is meaningless in the world of the gnomes. They are indifferent to the honors of Denmark. They live in a different kingdom. Grimmermann just can’t understand why he’s not fawned over.

We who follow Jesus are supposed to be citizens of the Kingdom of God, having pledged allegiance to the King of all kings. We are not citizens of any country; we own no allegiance to any state; we fawn over no political or financial leader. Celebrity means nothing to us. We are not intoxicated with power, nor impressed by wealth, prestige, or success. You may have a king’s commission from one of this world’s empires, but we are not impressed. As Thoreau said, we march to the beat of a different drummer.