Be A Good Citizen

“Now therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” Ephesians 2:19

All of us like to know that we are citizens of a country, that we legitimately belong; that we are not strangers or foreigners. Citizenship is so important that people who do not have it, strive to obtain it. Even St. Paul was proud of his citizenship which he tried to use to help him to get a fair trial: “I am …of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city.” The whole world recognizes the significance of citizenship. From a very young age we are taught about it, and we are expected to be good citizens.

Based on what St. Paul tells us in this verse, Christians could not be more fortunate, more loved, or more blessed. Imagine being a “fellow citizen with the saints” and belonging to the “household of God.” In fact we are also told that we too are saints! And as citizens and saints, we receive so many benefits. Psalm 37:28 tells us that the Lord “does not forsake” us, that we “are preserved forever.” We are also told the Holy Spirit “makes intercession for us according to the will of God.” So when we hardly know what to pray for ourselves, the Holy Spirit knows.

As fellow citizens and saints, we have received, and will receive, an inheritance which boggles the mind. Paul prayed that the Ephesians would understand “the riches of the glory” of such an inheritance and “the greatness of His power which He gives to those who believe.” And in Colossians, Paul tells us to be thankful to God “Who has equipped us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints……..”

But just as we are expected to be good earthly citizens, so too God expects us to be good citizens of His household. We can start to do this by acknowledging the sacrifice of Christ. It is because of Him that God has bestowed on us such heavenly citizenship. Let us thank Christ and love Him by being obedient to His Words.” If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Al Jones