Be A True Citizen

Devotion for Thursday March 8, 2018

Topic: Be A True Citizen

Text: 1 Peter 2:13 – 17                          

For the sake of peaceful coexistence and unity, there is always the need to have a government. Can you imagine what our society will look like if we don’t have government at all whether traditional or civil? 

To show what Christianity is all about, Peter urges us to live well among others especially unbelievers by submitting ourselves to ordinances of men for God sake 1 Peter 2:13. He asserts that Christian conducts must be honest through a just and careful discharge of all relative duties. He maintains that having regard to those duties is the will of God and consequently the Christians’ duty which will silence the base slanders of ignorant and foolish men. He charged us to endeavour, in all relations, to behave rightly, that we do not make our liberty a cloak or covering for any wickedness or for the neglect of duty; but we must remember that we are servants of God. 

Therefore, it is our duty to show respect to all people (1 Peter 2:17). According to Family Bible Notes, “True religion teaches us to conduct with propriety in all conditions and relations of life, and to exercise those feelings towards others which we ought to wish others to exercise towards us.” The exhortation of Peter in verse 17 is fundamental to our living in harmony and having a clear conscience towards people. It embodies the summary of the law (compare Mark 12:30, 31; Romans 13:9). 

Our duties consist in reverencing kings, in obeying their lawful commands, in a cheerful payment of our taxes, in praying affectionately for them, and in praising God for the blessing of their government. Are you truly doing these?

Sing A&M 295; Abu 205

Food for Thought: Civil power is of God and thus we have duties to constituted authorities.

Memory verse: 1 Peter 2:17

Prayer: God, make me a faithful and true citizen in Jesus name. Amen\

Good Influence of Godly Citizens

Devotion for Monday January 15, 2018

Topic: Good influence Of Godly Citizens

Text: Proverbs 11:11 (The Living Bible)

This passage of the scripture has a very important message for today’s Christians in our country. Many Christians of our time are not what they actually confess to be. I have continued to wonder whether we have the understanding of what our social responsibilities are. Our text speaks about the goodly influence expected of us as citizens of this country. The Living Bible translates this verse thus: “The good influence of godly citizens causes a city to prosper but the moral decay of the wicked drives it downhill.” The good influence of godly citizen comes in form of praying for the city, living by example and speaking against evil. Before 1980s, when neighbour sees your child misbehave in the public, he will punish the child and immediately and comes back to report to you. You will even commend him for such kindness toward your family. However, it is no longer obtainable in our society. When you try such, the kind of abuse and condemnation you will receive will drive cold into your marrow. Today, our society has become worse because there is no influence of the godly citizens. There are so many ills ravaging the society and check the names of people involved, you will see Christians among them. Who are the people that cheat; throw their bins into gutters, hide people’s files in offices, give and take bribes and many other evils of our time? Where is your influence as a Christian? What kind of words comes out of your mouth about this country? Do you spread hates and bitterness instead of love, peace and unity? Sing A&M 349; Abu 170

Food for Thought: What influence has your Christianity on your neighbours and neighbourhood?

Memory verse: Proverbs 11:11

Prayer: God make my Christianity influential on my neighbourhood in Jesus name. Amen.

TRUE CITIZENS: Devotion for Wednesday February 3, 2016

TRUE CITIZENS       Wednesday February 3, 2016

Text: 1 Peter 2:13 – 17    Memory verse: v 17

In order to live well among others especially unbelievers, we are to submit ourselves to ordinances of men for God sake according to Peter’s position in 2:13. Peter distinctly asserts that Christian conducts must be honest; which it cannot be, if there is not a just and careful discharge of all relative duties. Regard to those duties is the will of God, consequently, the Christian's duty, and the way to silence the base slanders of ignorant and foolish men. We must endeavour, in all relations, to behave rightly (see the devotion for Tuesday February 2, 2016), that we do not make our liberty a cloak or covering for any wickedness or for the neglect of duty; but we must remember that we are servants of God.

It is our duty to show respect to all people (2:17). According to Family Bible Notes, 

“True religion teaches us to conduct with propriety in all conditions and relations of life, and to exercise those feelings towards others which we ought to wish others to exercise towards us.” The exhortation of Peter in 2:17 is fundamental to our living in harmony and having a clear conscience towards people. It embodies the summary of the law (see Mk 12:30, 31; Rom 13:9). Are you a true citizen? Our duty consists in reverencing kings, in obeying their lawful commands, in a cheerful payment of our dues, in praying affectionately for them, and in praising God for the blessing of their government. Are you truly doing these? That makes us as good citizens.

Food for Thought: Civil power is of God and thus we have a duty to constituted authorities.

Prayer: God, make me a faithful and true citizen in Jesus name.

DO WHAT IS GOOD: Devotion for Monday October 12, 2015

DO WHAT IS GOOD                             Monday October 12, 2015                            

Text: Romans 13:1 – 6                             Memory verse: v 3

True Christians are law abiding. Any Christian who does not keep the law is a deceit. Jesus gave us example when he sent Peter to pay tax (Matthew 17:24 – 27). We should be law abiding. Here, Paul shows what Leadership should be: though clothed with great power, but that power is entrusted to him, not for the terror and oppression of the upright man, but to punish the wicked. Peter said so in 1 Peter 2:13 – 15. When authorities are unjust, upright people are afraid. Governments that serve well facilitate and encourage citizens to do right. Christians shouldn’t use their freedom in Christ as excuse for disobeying the laws of the state.

If we do what is good, we shall not be molested or injured, and shall receive the commendation of being peaceable and upright citizens. Every Christian should desire the reputation of being a man seeking the welfare of his country, and the just execution of the laws. Are you a law abiding citizen? Do that which is good. Be a virtuous and peaceable citizen; abstain from crime, and yield to obedience in all the just laws of the land.

Food for Thought: 1 Peter 3:3

Prayer: Lord, help me to law abiding citizen so that people will not speak evil of my Christianity in Jesus name. Amen.