Most people think that being a citizen is just about the country where you were born. We follow the laws, stay informed, and try to be good neighbors. However, Christ calls on us as Christians to a much more important role, to not just be citizens of our borders or the Earth, but to be citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. Being a citizen of heaven is like being an ambassador in a foreign land. While I live and work here on Earth, I have to represent the values of a different King. It means that when the rules of the world or the trends of our culture conflict with God’s commands, I have to choose to follow God first. My faith is not just something I practice on Sundays. It is an understanding and relationship that shapes how I act every single day.
Being a Biblical citizen means we have to know who we follow first. We should be good citizens who follow the laws of our land and respect our leaders. However, we must remember that our hearts and our souls belong to God. Paul says in Romans 13 that we should respect the government, but that doesn’t mean the government comes before God. This can be hard when the world’s rules start to move away from what the Bible teaches. We are often taught by the world that freedom is the license to do whatever we want, but the Bible teaches that true freedom is the power to do what is right. Many people today think they are free only when there are no rules, and they can follow every whim or feeling, but when we only live for our own selfish desires, we are actually slaves to our own pride. Real freedom is not about having no master, but it’s about choosing the right master. Galatians 5:13 says, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Our conscience is guided by the Holy Spirit and acts like a shield to keep us safe. If the world tries to pressure us to do something wrong just to fit in or to get ahead of others, our citizenship in heaven reminds us that God is the one who truly judges our actions.
There are arguments made today that faith should be kept private and tucked away to not disturb secular peace. However, a silent ambassador is one who is not doing their job. We are called to be the salt of the earth, to help renew the public square by bringing Christ’s teachings and love into our daily lives. We help renew the public square by treating every person with respect, because everyone is made in the image of God. When we help others or talk about what we believe, we should be led by love rather than by anger. When we put God first, we actually become better neighbors. We become people who are unshakable and are not swayed by earthly expectations and standards.
In the end, living as a Biblical citizen means remembering that our time on Earth is short. The Bible says in 1 Peter 2:11 that we are like “strangers” just passing through. Our main job is to show people what our Christ is like. By being the best citizens of heaven we can be, we give the world something very special: a clear sense of right and wrong that never changes. I may hold different roles and titles throughout my life, but my most important job will always be representing the Kingdom that has no end.
Jack Lemarr is a senior at The Citadel, where he serves as a platoon leader and is actively involved as a Young Life leader, investing in the spiritual growth of younger students. He believes that faith is not something confined to Sunday mornings but a calling that shapes how we live, lead, and serve every day. Through his leadership, academic work, and personal witness, Jack seeks to live out the gospel with conviction and courage, demonstrating how a Christian worldview speaks into every sphere of life.
