Good citizenship

Jesus said that his mission in life was to bring us into a new relationship with our Creator. His described this relationship as citizenship in “the kingdom of God.” Today, we have fewer kings. We all still belong to a country, though. Exploring what it means to be a good citizen of that country can help us understand our responsibilities as members of God’s kingdom.

We human beings have learned that we are most likely to survive when we band together. The first responsibility of any government is “to provide for the common defense.” Good citizens share that responsibility. Some serve in the armed forces, others in intelligence or the diplomatic service. All support these efforts by paying taxes.

Citizens of Christ’s kingdom have a similar responsibility. Someone is always trying to distort the truth, pervert justice, or promote violence. Malice and cruelty are continually on the attack. We defend our kingdom with donations to our church and to agencies and individuals who promote and protect the good. We defend her by objecting when those around us behave hatefully. We openly declare our allegiance to our faith. We study that faith so we can set the record straight when others misrepresent it. We master the weapons of kindness, patience, and peace that expose the Enemy’s lies. And we pray, pray, pray.

Good Americans are aware and involved. They participate in community service. They study the issues, support worthwhile candidates, and vote. Good Christians have a similar commitment to the kingdom. Whenever possible, they serve in ministry. They share their time and talents. They encourage and pray for one another. They know the importance of fellowship. They take thought for those who suffer for their beliefs. While they try to be generous to all, they have a special concern for “those who are of the household of faith.”

Good citizens obey the law. Obeying Christian law can be inconvenient, difficult, even dangerous. None of us does it perfectly, nor will our failures exile us from God’s kingdom. However, God’s laws are a description of the best, most satisfying way we can live. When we ignore them, when we pick and choose which ones we’ll obey, we lose the freedom of the kingdom. Appetite, mood, and popularity become our rulers, and they are all tyrants.

Americans expect their leaders to deal fairly with other nations. We want our ambassadors, our military, and even our tourists to be sensitive and courteous when abroad. Each citizen of Christ’s kingdom is an ambassador. We may be the only committed Christian our neighbors or coworkers know. Will they see Christians as polite, humble, helpful? What about the strangers who spot the rosary hanging from our rear view mirror or the cross we wear? What will they conclude about the kingdom? Will they know we are Christians by our love?

There are no immigration quotas in the kingdom of God. Christians have a duty to invite others to become fellow citizens. St. Paul wrote, “Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. But how can they call upon him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard?” Sometimes we spread the Gospel by doing works of corporal mercy or by supporting missionaries. Sometimes, though, we have to say something. We invite a non-believer to a church social event. We offer to pray for their need. We speak naturally about how God has helped us through difficulties.

Our nation honors only a few citizens with medals or statues. Even the weakest member of the kingdom of God, however, receives countless blessings today and tomorrow an eternal crown.