The Christian Citizen

The Christian Citizen
By: Dr. Charles Stanley

One of the blessings we most frequently overlook is the freedom we enjoy as citizens of the United States. Over and over throughout our history, God has blessed this nation in unique ways. Let’s examine what it means to be a Christian citizen—both of heaven and of our earthly country.

A. Our Kingdom Citizenship

Our primary allegiance belongs to the Creator. Philippians 3:20 says, “Our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

1. Privileges

We’ve been given amazing promises and privileges, simply because we have been born into the family of God.

* Name a few personal blessings you receive as a citizen of the heavenly kingdom (Matt. 7:7-8; John 1:12; 14:26, 15:16; Rom. 6:23; Phil. 4:13).

* How can these privileges impact the way you live as a Christian in America?



2. Responsibilities

* List some of our responsibilities as citizens of heaven (John 4:24; 15:10; Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Thess. 5:11-22).


Some believers see parts of their lives as “off limits” to God—areas such as finances, relationships, business deals, or civic activities.

* What areas of your life, if any, have you traditionally seen as “off limits” for your faith? Why is/was this so?

* What can you do to allow your faith to impact every aspect of your daily life?

Jesus Christ commissioned us to be the salt and light of this world (Matt. 5:13-16). Saltseasons, flavors, and preserves. But when kept inside the shaker, it is practically worthless. Light drives out darkness and illuminates paths. It also removes every pretense and falsehood, revealing things for what they really are.

* Why are salt and light appropriate metaphors for the influence godly believers can have in their communities?

* Name some specific actions you could take to be salt and light in your neighborhood.



B. Our National Citizenship

As American citizens, we all enjoy rights, liberties, and provisions that seldom exist elsewhere in the world. We also have several distinct obligations.

1. As Christians in America, we must actively impact the decisions that shape our nation. If you are a child of God, then being an active citizen should be a part of your life. The choices we make during our lifetime will affect future generations. We simply cannot be silent about the decay of our culture’s morals.

* Respond to this statement: “You cannot be a good Christian and an irresponsible, uninvolved citizen at the same time.” Is this true? Why or why not?


* We must fulfill our civic duties based strictly on the Word of God. When we try to effect change in our culture, our motivation should derive from biblical principles, not merely from personal preferences.

* How do you typically make decisions about matters facing our country? Do you rely on logic and personal preference, or do you examine the issues according to Scripture? Why?


3. We must hold our leaders accountable for their actions and decisions. In his book “A Century of Congress,” James Garfield, the twentieth President of the United States, wrote:

Now more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature. If the next centennial does not find us a great nation, it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forums.

We are given the freedom to choose our leaders and the obligation to hold them accountable. Write a letter, send an e-mail, make a phone call—do something to make sure your representatives know that you hold them accountable.

* How did Nathan correct King David’s choices (2 Sam. 11-12)?

* What are some ways in which you can make your voice heard? How can you personally have an impact on the world around you?


4. We must pray for our leaders. There are enough believers in this country to pray our nation into radical new directions and godly decisions.

* If you disagree with those in leadership, why should you still pray for them (1 Tim. 2:1-2) ?

Closing: As citizens of the United States and believers in Jesus Christ, we have dual citizenship. Our responsibility is to live as salt and light. Only when we accept the call to be actively involved in our communities can we help preserve this great nation of ours.

Prayer: Father, thank You for allowing me to be a citizen of both this country and an eternal home. Show me how to live in light of these two citizenships. I ask this in Christ’s name. Amen.

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