Being A True Citizen

Categories: Devotional

Think about being a good citizen of Celebration Church.

Simon Goldhill writes about the meaning of citizenship in ancient free Athens, a status that held many benefits. The idea of citizenship, the way we think of it now, differs from then. Thinking on some of these differences may help us, as Americans and citizens of Celebration.

The watchword in the government of classical Greece was participation. A citizen of Athens was expected to attend the Assembly, to serve on the Council, act as a juror, vote, take part in all celebrations, fight in the military, and much more.

The watchword in the government of modern democracies, maybe especially ours, tends to be rights. Ancient citizenship, however, was more an issue of duties.

Pericles, the Greek statesman, announced: “We do not say that a man who takes no interest in politics minds his own business; we say he has no business here at all.” Anyone living in a democracy but unengaged in it was considered useless. Even the Greek word for a wholly private citizen is idiotes, from which we get the English word, “idiot” — a fool who lives only in his own world. Ancient citizens of Athens were involved, committed, and useful.

How about your citizenship? Are you concerned mostly about rights and expectations, or duty and being useful?

If you are consumed with what you can do for God’s kingdom, even for Celebration’s place in it, then hold onto the joy of knowing that you are a true citizen.

Now that’s something to celebrate!

Author: Toby Larson

Toby Larson leads Celebration International. He is a husband and father of 5. Whether he's teaching, hitting tennis balls, sailing a Hobie, serving in Asia, skiing on water or snow, Toby is passionate about the love of God and the love of life. Read more ...