The Good Citizenship Award

Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on August 5, 2008 Biblical Values •

The “Good Citizenship” award. I remember getting a few of those in elementary school for my good behavior. It seemed like a big deal at the time—but not so much now.

That seemingly simple grade school reward, which you also may have received yourself, really isn’t so simple today. Peter told first-century Christians to be good citizens of Rome and to pray for their Emperor. And, really, nothing has changed. The same message is true for us—especially as believers.

He said, “Submit to every human institution because of the Lord, whether to the Emperor as the supreme authority, or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For it is God’s will that you, by doing good, silence the ignorance of foolish people. As God’s slaves, [live] as free people, but don’t use your freedom as a way to conceal evil. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Honor the Emperor” (1 Peter 2:13-17).

Peter told us to honor our leaders and live righteously. Our country and government should know that if they can count on anyone in this world to do something good—it should be the Church, the body of Christ.

Good citizenship isn’t about living a trouble-free, low-key life, hidden away in the shadows. No, it’s about improving our communities through good works, sharing Jesus in our daily relationships through our actions and words, and living in such a way that challenges unbelievers to at least think about God.

Do you spend time praying for our leaders every day? How often do you go out of your way to do good for those around you? We’re blessed to live freely in a nation full of opportunity. How often do you take advantage of that?

Next entry: The life we desire vs. The life we live Previous entry: Voting Your Genes?

Comments