One Day Nearer: 10 Devotions in Anticipation of Jesus’ Glorious Returnعينة

Day 6: Godly Citizens, Godly Behavior

Disagreements over political issues can do a lot of damage—not only between believers and unbelievers, but between believers as well. How can we engage with others on issues we care about without contributing to the political strife around us?

In Titus 3:1-2, Paul wrote, “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities.” Note what he said next: We are “to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” In those few words, he packed six commands about our speech and actions toward those who rule over us and others around us. When it comes to our conduct as citizens, God sets the bar high.

With the call to good citizenship comes a call to good behavior. God ties the two together. There’s a clear message here: In all our interactions—including those involving the government and politics—we need to be careful about what we say and do.

This doesn’t mean we can’t feel strongly about political issues. God isn’t telling us to tamp down our spiritual and moral convictions for the sake of getting along. Rather, when it comes to disagreement, we’re to be gracious. Ephesians 4:15 guides us toward the perfect balance when it says to “speak the truth in love.” We should never abandon the truth nor our convictions, but we should speak the truth and our convictions with love.

In this fallen world, how we conduct ourselves will shape the way people perceive God and Christianity. If we end up in conflict with governing authorities or those around us, let it be because of where we stand spiritually and morally, and not because we’re being combative or strident.