Christian Character Counts In Citizenship. Series

Titus 3:1-11 KJV Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, 2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. 3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

Christian Citizens

Remember that the rulers and powers that be are allowed there by God for a purpose. "...the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will." Dan 5:21

And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? Daniel 4:34-35 KJV

Sometimes we may not like a person in power because of the corruption, lies, injustice etc. We may be tempted to speak evil of such but as children of God we are exhorted to be good citizens in all things. We pay our taxes and dues. We do not cheat nor defraud. We do not become leeches and parasites. We live and provide things honest in the sight of all men. This does not mean we are not to speak out against evil and there is a time when we have to declare where we stand: And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, 28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. 29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:27-29 KJV

But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 1 Peter 3:14-16 KJV

There is nothing out of order or wrong in hating sin, which we should. There is nothing wrong in becoming angry at the sinfulness, perversion and corruption that undermines and erodes the righteous fiber of society, but we would be wrong, incorrect and totally out of order to express this in hatred for individuals or disrespect for their office. God expects us to be driven by a Christ like spirit and demeanor, to fervent intercession for the good of our country and the souls of the persons left in charge.

Christian Courtesies

We are to live in peace, not jumping into every fight and dispute. A man is entitled to his opinion without us initiating a war. Our way should be that of Christ...meek and lowly in heart. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:29-30 KJV

We should not have respect of persons but should treat all men (and women) with the same courtesy, gentleness, grace that testifies we are the followers and disciples of Christ. We should not discriminate between the high and low, rich and poor, black or white, attractive or repulsive, which would be the natural tendency of the flesh. We are instead to love as Christ loved even though He was despised and rejected of men. We are to forgive as Christ forgave even those who were in the process of crucifying Him. The Christian is always exhorted and encouraged to follow peace with all men! We need to really try for peace with all effort, earnestness, and diligence.