“The Role of A Citizen” (Part Three)

We have been considering the principles of Christian citizenship, and have seen the need for a right attitude, right actions and right impact. Today we close with…

THE RIGHT PRIORITIES

Pray (1 Tim.2:1-2)

• For leaders- for wisdom, the mid of Christ, their salvation, their commitment to God’s Word and its principles;
• For renewal- a spiritual answer is necessary for a spiritual problem!

Obey God (Acts 5:29) How? preaching and living the truth, and standing for what is in accordance with the Word of God.

Search the Scriptures (2 Cor.10:5) Get biblical answers to life’s issues and questions. Let the Word determine your thinking on the issue, not the political rhetoric or opinions of men that are without true authority.

Be Informed (Matt. 10:16) “Wise as serpents…” Know the issues (and the candidates). Be well read, get the facts, and study the issues. That enables us to get involved on the basis of information, instead of on the basis of assumption- or, even worse, ignorance.

Accept The Consequences (1 Peter 4:12-17) If negative reactions come, respond with patience and the love of Christ. Stonewall Jackson said, “Duty is ours; consequences are God’s.” We must obey God, and then take what comes- allowing Him to deal with the consequences of our obedience. But, always, it is far better to deal with the consequences of obedience than the consequences of disobedience!

So, we must be involved, but…

With our eyes wide open

Sensitive to the needs

Aware of the dangers

Then, doing what we can, and what we must, to honor God by being good citizens. As believers…

• We MUST give the state appropriate submission, required taxes, and genuine loyalty and honor;
• We MAY be the conscience of the state through prayer, influence, education, and involvement
• We MUST be prepared to disobey the state when the choice is that or disobedience to the Word of God. Then, we must be prepared to accept the consequences and trust our Sovereign God for the outcome.