GODLY CITIZENSHIP

Goh Chee Young
Jun 15
6 min read

What Does It Mean To Be A Good Citizen – When Your True Home Isn’t Here?

For many, the word “citizenship” brings to mind our national identity, legal obligations, or even the benefits and rights we enjoy as members of a society. But for Christians, the idea of citizenship carries an even deeper meaning – it reflects not just where we belong physically, but how we choose to live in a world where we are ultimately strangers and pilgrims (Hebrews 11:13).

In our present day, conversations around civic responsibilities, social issues, government leadership, and public behaviour remain pervasive, and at times polarising. The recent General Election in Singapore highlighted how easily differing views can stir division, with some voices resorting to unkind words or the use of AI to spread questionable information. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to rise above divisive talk and embody a consistent, godly character in all manners of life – including our role as citizens of the country God has placed us in.

Paul wrote in Philippians 3:20, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” While this reminds us of our eternal home, it does not excuse us from our duties here on earth. In fact, our heavenly citizenship should shape how we live as earthly citizens – faithfully, respectfully, and responsibly.

Let us consider three key qualities that help define a Christian who is a good citizen: respect for authority, commitment to doing good, and praying for the nation.

1. Respect for Authority

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.- Romans 13:1

Paul’s instruction is clear – governing authorities are not outside of God’s control. Whether we agree with our leaders or not, whether the policies always seem fair or not, we are told to be subject to them. This submission is not out of blind obedience, but out of reverence for God, who has established order in society through these roles.

When Paul wrote Romans 13, urging Christians to “be subject to the governing authorities,” it was during the reign of Emperor Nero – a ruler known not for justice, but for cruelty and persecution. Yet Paul still exhorted believers to submit, not because the ruler was righteous, but because God is. This context makes his message even more striking. Respecting authority does not mean endorsing evil or ignoring injustice. Rather, it is about trusting God's sovereignty and showing integrity, even when rulers fall short.

It’s easy to respect leaders when they do things we like. It’s harder when they make decisions we don’t understand or agree with. But Christians are not called to mirror the attitudes of the world. Instead, we are to model humility, patience, and peace. We must remember that government officials are human beings too – flawed, fallible, and often under tremendous pressure.

A good citizen avoids slander, promotes peace, and refrains from rebellious or disrespectful behaviour. As Titus 3:1-2 reminds us, “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one...” It is worth asking: Do our words and actions reflect honour, or do they fuel division?

This does not mean silence in the face of injustice. On the contrary, Christians are called to be light and salt in a complex and divided world. But we must engage from a place of godliness – not anger or pride. Even in disagreement, we can be gracious.

2. Commitment to Doing Good

Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake... Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.- Romans 13:5,7

Good citizenship is not merely avoiding wrongdoing – it is actively doing what is right. Paying taxes, obeying traffic laws, keeping public places clean, being courteous – these are not small things. These are signs of integrity.

In Matthew 5:16, Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” As Christians, our good works in public life are not for recognition, but serve as a reflection of our faith. The way we interact in public, the way we queue up, treat civil servants, support community projects, or report wrongdoing – all of these are opportunities to shine the light of Christ.

Today, being a good citizen extends beyond our physical communities and into the digital realm. Our online presence – whether on social media, forums, or messaging platforms – has become an important expression of our citizenship. As Christians, we are called to the same standard of integrity in these digital spaces. This means verifying information before sharing it, speaking with kindness rather than joining in hostile exchanges, protecting others' dignity even when disagreeing, and refusing to participate in online shaming or harassment.

Just as we are recognisable as Christ-followers by our conduct in person, our digital footprint should similarly reflect godly character. When we comment on current events, respond to opposing views, or discuss policies online, we have the opportunity to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit – patience, gentleness, and self-control – in spaces often characterised by hasty words and harsh judgments. In doing so, we offer a different way of citizenship that honours both God and our neighbours, even those we may never meet face-to-face.

Peter encouraged the early Christians, who were often misunderstood or mistreated, to still live honourably:“...having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God...” (1 Peter 2:12).

It may not always be easy, especially when the society is becoming more indifferent or even hostile to Christian values. But we do not do good only when it is easy. We do good because it is right. And in doing so, we silence ignorance with gentleness and point others to Christ.

3. Praying for the Nation

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority…- 1 Timothy 2:1–2

Perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of Christian citizenship is prayer. How often do we pray for our leaders? For our civil servants, our public institutions, our laws and policies, our national peace?

Paul urged Timothy to lead the Church in prayer for all people, and especially for those in authority. The reason was so that “we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” When we pray for our nation, we are not just asking for prosperity – we are seeking conditions that allow godly living to thrive.

We pray because we know that only God can truly change hearts. We pray because we trust that He rules over nations and governments alike (Daniel 2:21). We pray not just in times of crisis or elections, but constantly, faithfully, and with gratitude. A praying citizen is a hopeful one, who believes that God is still at work in the world.

Being a good citizen is not just a legal duty – it is a spiritual calling. In respecting authority, doing good, and praying for the land we live in, we show the world that our allegiance to Christ makes us better neighbours, not worse.

Yes, our ultimate citizenship is in heaven. But while we walk this earth, let us walk honourably, for we carry not just a passport – but a divine purpose that points others to Christ.

Ask Yourself:

How have I shown respect (or disrespect) for authority in my words or behaviour recently?
What is one practical way I can be a blessing to my community this week?
Have I been consistent in praying for my leaders and nation? What would help me develop this habit?