Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses. And I charge you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate, that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen.  – I Timothy 6:12-16

What is it about citizenship that blesses the citizen? Is it the rights and comforts one is afforded, or is it the peaceful connections with our family and neighbors? I guess it is both. But what good are rights and comforts when neighbors and family members are hurting? We desire healing, peace and comfort for our loved ones. Yet, when we live in good fellowship with other men and women, our rights are not an issue and we are dwelling in comfort.

I believe good citizenship has more to do with being than having.

Being presently able to be in conversation and at peace with all men and women where possible is a good goal. Being mindful in the present is a good idea. As a Christian, it’s reflective of being a citizen ruled by a King who forgives past sins and holds the future that I not worry about either.

There is a saying in the business world attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson: “The speed of the leader determines the rate of the pack.”

The citizenry are a reflection of the leadership.

As a disciple of Christ, I follow my big brother Jesus who also happens to be my attorney before God when I am troubled or in trouble, I am comforted and instructed by God’s Holy Spirit dwelling in me, all which keep me tethered to the King of all Kings, God the Creator, my Heavenly Father and ultimate judge.

I guess this is why fighting, inappropriate judgements leading to gossip and slander trouble God. It divides the unity of the spirit of peace God desires to pervade each citizen and quadrant of his kingdom.

Isn’t it wonderful when we can live at peace together? Won’t it be wonderful to live forever in a city where there will be no territorial wars, divisions over points of view, conquering armies jealous of their neighbor’s wealth?

One King. One heart. One mind.

Amazing!