Becoming a Good Citizen Christian

August 1, 2024 / by Jeff Fritzen

In today’s environment of divisive politics, with social chaos as special interests seem to bully their way to acceptance through canceling or shaming, withdrawing from the madness may seem like the safest route to pursue.

After all, political solutions aren’t permanent. They are subject to an electoral process designed to present regular opportunities for change. The tactics employed by those pressing hard for shifts in our culture often feel heavy handed and unseemly, things we would never engage in ourselves. Best to stay out of the fray, right?

Except, that is not possible. Oh, not everyone is cut out for public office, nor should we all take to the streets for a cause. But to disengage from the process isn’t protection, it’s surrender.

It’s clear in scripture that government is part of God’s plan. In Romans, Titus, and 1 Peter, we are informed there is no authority except from God and we are instructed to get along with those who guide our civic institutions. Our conundrum comes when we know government is not fulfilling God’s desires. It’s at these times we must be a good citizen Christian.

Much the same is true in the current affairs that dominate our news and media – social, television, online personalities and such. Shouting the loudest is meant to both advocate a position and silence dissent. It’s at these times we must be a good citizen Christian.

Just what may that look like for you? There’s no one size fits all, but here are a couple of things most any of you could consider.

There are countless opportunities to participate: from running for school board, library board, or township trustee, to serving in a voluntary capacity with a service club or in a child’s classroom or school. People fill these positions. Those people inform and influence others with their opinions and point of view. They may not change the world situation, but their participation helps shape policy or guide process. Why not make sure a Christian worldview is represented? The right person to take the initiative may very well be you.

While coffee shop chatter still exists, it has expanded beyond anything one could imagine in the online blogosphere. Unfortunately, much of the banter is ill-informed and much of it never reaches an authoritative ear. Have you taken the time to learn about issues affecting your life? Have you developed an informed position, considering both your beliefs and those in opposition to yours? Why not take those thoughts and ideas and look for ways to express them? We’ve all read cringe-worthy letters to the editor or social media posts or heard someone give a less than erudite appeal at a public meeting. Be the person who delivers a Christian perspective in a winsome, thoughtful manner. There are innumerable public forums, meetings of local governmental bodies and commissions where input is invited. How will they hear a Christian witness if no one speaks?

Prayer is assumed in all of this. If we’re concerned about what we see around us, we should be praying. But remember, knowing trouble lurked, Nehemiah’s people famously prayed, then posted a guard. Pray, then participate, and represent to be that good citizen Christian we desperately need.

Jeff and his wife Judy were married at East White Oak in 1978. Jeff works as Executive Vice-President of BOPI, and served as a Normal Town Councilman for 32 years. Here at East White Oak, Jeff has been an elder, ABF leader, pastoral search team member, and mission trip leader.