Three United States Presidents – all members of the American Restoration Movement – have addressed the subject of citizenship:
James A. Garfield said, “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 forces” (July 4, 1876, Centennial of the United States Address).
Lyndon B. Johnson said, “Our citizens – naturalized or native-born – must also seek to refresh and improve their knowledge of how our government operates under the Constitution and how they can participate in it. Only in this way can they assume the full responsibilities of citizenship and make our government more truly of, by, and for the people” (Proclamation 3786, Citizenship Day and Constitution, May 24th, 1967).
Ronald W. Reagan said, “There is no institution more vital to our nation's survival than the American family. Here the seeds of personal character are planted, the roots of public virtue first nourished. Through love and instruction, discipline, guidance and example, we learn from our mothers and fathers the values that will shape our private lives and our public citizenship” (Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Ronald Reagan, 1981).
Here are three timeless adages on citizenship from the wisdom literature of the Bible. “Listen to this, all you people! Listen closely, all you citizens of the world – people of every kind, rich and poor alike! My mouth speaks wisdom; my heart’s meditation is full of insight” (Psalm 49:1-3 CEB). “Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart” (Proverbs 11:11 NLT). “One wise person is stronger than ten leading citizens of a town!” (Ecclesiastes 7:19 NLT).
We are to be good citizens wherever we are. “Seek the prosperity of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord in its behalf; for in its prosperity will be your prosperity” (Jeremiah 29:7 NASB). Jesus taught good citizenship when He said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21 NIV).
Here is sound advice from a Roman citizen himself, the apostle Paul: “Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it’s God’s order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you’re irresponsible to the state, then you’re irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you’re trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear. Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you’ll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you’re breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren’t there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it. That’s why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it’s the right way to live” (Romans 13:1-5 MSG).
Here is additional advice on being a good citizen from the apostle Peter: “Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God’s emissaries for keeping order. It is God’s will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you’re a danger to society. Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government” (1 Peter 2:13-17 MSG).
What about our future citizenship in heaven? “You’ve come to Mount Zion, the city where the living God resides. The invisible Jerusalem is populated by throngs of festive angels and Christian citizens. It is the city where God is Judge, with judgments that make us just. You’ve come to Jesus, who presents us with a new covenant, a fresh charter from God. He is the Mediator of this covenant” (Hebrews 12:22-24 MSG).
On January 20, 1961, when I was only 15, I heard a man say, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” Thank you, President Kennedy, for setting me on a good path to be a good citizen of my country. I once read where Jesus said, “Unless a man is born of water and of the Spirit of God, he cannot get into the holy nation of God” (John 3:5 NLV). Thank you, Jesus, for fitting me for citizenship in the Holy City of God!
