What does it look like to be a good citizen?

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” -Philippians 3:20

Years ago, I’m told, every American public school had a class called “Civics.”  (Apparently some still do, but not many.)

In it, so I hear, children were taught the basic ideas and ideals of our country, and how to play their part in upholding them for the good of our nation.

They learned, basically, how to be good citizens.

A good citizen doesn’t ignore the flaws and shortcomings of their country, but speaks well of their homeland anyway and resolves not simply to criticize, but to contribute to improvement.

A good citizen promotes and participates in the growth and flourishing of their country, desiring to see its influence expand for the good of all people.

A good citizen does their part financially, whether they fully agree or not, because to reap the rewards of citizenship is also to shoulder the responsibility.

A good citizen respects and follows the laws of the land, and honors the leaders who oversee them.

A good citizen is not a silent pawn of the system, but is an active participant in the process of safeguarding, refining and growing the health and strength of the country to which they belong.

…And Paul reminds us that as followers of Christ, we are citizens of the Kingdom of God and its physical expression, the Church.

How’s your citizenship?