by Annie Yorty

In my last blog post, we discussed our need to run to God, our best provider, rather than to government, to meet our needs. Today, let’s consider how we can be good citizens of our country.

A Builder That Tears Down

Late one evening a few weeks ago, I pulled my car into my driveway. I got out, and my movement triggered the automatic floodlight. In its blaze glistened a silky web that stretched between two bushes in the landscape.

I shuddered at the thought of the ghastly eight-legged monster that created the exquisitely strong insect trap. Thankfully, she was absent. But that didn’t mean she wasn’t lurking nearby, probably rubbing her furry tentacles in anticipation of a tasty dinner.

The next morning when I left the house, the web was gone. I breathed a sigh of relief. Later that evening, I took out the trash. Much to my dismay, I found the object of my nightmares darting to and fro, spinning a new snare for unsuspecting insects (that I also despise) between the same two bushes.

Perhaps you’ve heard a spider’s silk is stronger than steel when adjusted for weight. But did you know, despite such strength, many spiders tear down their webs and rebuild every day? I wonder why. Seems foolish to me.

A Country That Tears Down

Mrs. Spider made me think about a verse in the Bible about a foolish woman.

A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands. (Psalm 14:1 NLT)

Lately I’ve been thinking about how this verse applies on a larger scale. If we think of our country as our collective home (at least for our time living on earth), haven’t we corporately been undermining and dismantling its structure in recent years?

Knowing God’s reputation as a deliberate designer, the spider probably has a valid reason for tearing down her web each day. But God doesn’t mince words about the ones who would demolish their own home.

Foolish: having or showing a lack of good sense, judgment, or discretion

How do good citizens reverse this trend of foolishness?

Civic Duties or Virtues?

We’ve all heard about civic duties—voting, serving on jury duty, participating in government, volunteering in your community, paying taxes. This is what JFK referenced in his inaugural address when he said, “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country” (John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961).

But our civic responsibility goes deeper than duty. Civic virtue, adherence to “a particular moral excellence” (Merriam-Webster), refers to inner character qualities which prompt outward behaviors.

I recently read a psalm that some Bible versions label “A Description of a Citizen of Zion.”

Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? (Psalm 15:1 NLT)

In the next four verses, David wrote seven characteristics God requires for good citizens of His eternal kingdom.

As citizens of heaven who imitate Jesus, we do our part to build up, rather than tear down, our temporary home here on earth. #annieyorty #goodcitizens Share on X

7 Characteristics of Good Citizens

1. Promote righteousness.

Our standard of righteousness, or morality, comes from God through His Word rather than ourselves. Remember our own standard ranks down there with “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6 NLT).

2. Speak with integrity.

God wants us to love and speak truth from the inside out because Jesus is the Truth.

3. Demonstrate goodwill.

When we offer goodwill to others, we exemplify God’s benevolence. Goodwill refuses to gossip, believes the best in questionable situations, and builds up others.

4. Despise sin.

Citizens in God’s kingdom will not excuse sin. In fact, verse four says we should “despise flagrant sinners.” We cannot minimize or participate in sinful behavior, nor can we exalt any person or group who promotes behavior that opposes God. “Sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34b NLT).

5. Honor reverence for God.

As ambassadors of God’s kingdom, we promote laws, individuals, and activities that honor God. “Godliness makes a nation great” (Proverbs 14:34a NLT).

6. Keep promises.

God gives us the privilege of representing Him to this world. When we fail to keep our word, we undermine claims of His faithfulness. When we speak intentionally and follow through, we confirm God “never changes or casts a shifting shadow” (James 1:17 NLT).

7. Avoid corrupt financial practices.

The Bible says our financial affairs indicate our heart’s attitude toward God. Citizens of His kingdom deal fairly with others and will not take advantage of those who are vulnerable.

Good Citizens of Heaven

The criteria for the character of the one who may dwell with God seems impossible. Left to our own devices, we will never attain those civic virtues. But we “can do everything through Christ, who gives [us] strength” (Philippians 4:13 NLT).

If Jesus is your Savior and Lord, then He enables you to exhibit these character qualities. As citizens of heaven who imitate Jesus, we do our part to build up, rather than tear down, our temporary home here on earth.

Join the conversation:

How have you seen civic virtues build up your community?

I welcome your comments.

Copyright ©2024 Annie Yorty

49 Days and Counting . . .

25 Symbols of Christmas–Finding Jesus releases on November 1st!

Would you like to be part of the launch team? The launch team gets to read an advance copy of the devotional and helps to promote it with graphics we provide. It’s easy and fun. Plus–as a token of my appreciation, we’ll have drawings for great prizes for team members.  Get started on Christmas early this year. Contact me and I’ll send you an application!

Click the title to see a trailer for 25 Symbols of Christmas–Finding Jesus