Active Citizens

Can ordinary active citizens make a difference?

The government's Big Society idea has been hoping that they can. The idea is that ordinary members of the public will play their part in being active citizens, working as volunteers and being good neighbours within their communities.

It is a great idea, and has a surprising number of roots in the New Testament! 

When Jesus was asked what it meant, in practice, to 'love your neighbour as yourself', he told the story of the Good Samaritan. '“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbour to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” (Luke 10.36-37)

St. Paul reminds his friends that ordinary Christians can make a difference in their communities, because they have been changed by becoming followers of Jesus and children of God. ' Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.' (Philippians 2.14-15)

As followers of Jesus, we have become citizens of heaven, living under the authority of our King Jesus. So we don't quite fit in our culture, where people are living to different standards. 'Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbours. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honourable behaviour, and they will give honour to God when he judges the world.' (1 Peter 2.11-12)

That is our challenge for today and every day, to live the life of heaven on earth, and to pray, 'Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven'.

Best wishes,

Richard