Christian Citizenship

“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution...For such is the will of God...” I Pet 2:13, 15

The late Stephen Olford reminds us that there are solemn responsibilities that are entrusted to citizens of every nation. The Apostle Peter, in speaking here of the role of a Christian citizen, enunciates principles that include and transcend all forms of human government.

The biblical conception of a Christian citizen. “...as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles...” v 11-12

Every child of God has dual citizenship. His name is recorded in heaven, yet he is a recognized citizen of the country in which he chooses to reside. Therefore, his responsibility is to translate the will of God on earth, even as it is in heaven. His duty is to deprecate all known wrong and to advocate all that is good.

The personal submission of a christian citizen. Christian citizens should live lives of discipline and submission. Verse 17 tells us that we are to “honor all people”, to regard them as intrinsically sacred and precious to God. We are to “honor the king” by submitting to the leadership of any country. We are to “love the brotherhood” - the community of saints - and to “fear God.” Only as God is reverenced and feared can true submission to other ordinances become possible.

The spiritual relation of a Christian citizen “Christ...left us an example, that we should follow His steps.” The standards of Christian citizenship are high, but the enablement for meeting these lofty demands can be realized only through a vital relationship to Jesus Christ as Sinbearer, Savior, and Shepherd. Let us rise to serve our generation by the will of God, remembering that “...every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” Romans 13:1

Thrust Render unto Caesar the things that are man’s, and offer unto God the things He demands. So the Savior taught us, when He spoke on earth, only by obeying do we learn life’s worth.