Did you know that the Bible wants you to be a good citizen in whatever country we live right now?

Whether the leaders are great or not, God wants you to be a good citizen. It’s also another pillar of Christian character.  It is in addition to the other four: be a disciple, embrace God-ly values, be grateful, be trustworthy.

Let me ask you to read Romans 13: 1-7. It’s our foundation, which helps us understand where Paul is coming from when he wrote this piece of Scripture.

There is no Authority except God

Read verse one,

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Romans 13: 1. ESV.

A politician can use this verse for his/her good. But, that’s not the point here. Paul, through this verse, wants us to focus on one thing alone, God is always in control.

That comes out of Who God has always been.

• God is the Creator of everything and everyone (see Genesis 1:1).
• God changes times and seasons (see Daniel 2: 21).
• God has a plan for everything and everyone (see Jeremiah 29: 11)

Do the right things for the sake of a good conscience

Good like is all about doing the things.

Paul, in his letter to the Romans, encourages the Church not to do things because of fear. We do what we ought to do out of good conscience.

When you think about conscience for a moment, three things come to mind:

• Your inner voice.
• Your inner guide.
• Your inner teacher.

Good conscience goes hand in hand with a pure heart and a sincere faith.

That comes out of 1 Timothy 1: 5,

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

It’s a conscience that is grounded in the Lord, which makes God your voice, guide, and teacher.

This good conscience enables you to trust in God with all your heart. It also helps you lean not on your understanding (see Proverbs 3: 5-6).

So, good conscience empowers you to do good, which is what God wants you to do.

In summary

If there is something you have to learn from Romans 13 is first, God is in control. Second, God owns everything and everyone. Lastly, your welfare comes out of your choices to do good for your community, country, and the world.