Wisdom's Corner
Be a Worthy Citizen

Many of the ancient cities took counts of their citizens. It was considered high praise to be counted as a citizen of the city. Not just anyone was allowed to become a citizen. Sometimes it required fulfilling certain strict requirements. And as a citizen of the city one was expected to behave in a certain way. Most of the time there was a pledge that one took.

In Philippians 1:27, we read, "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel."

The phrase "let your conversation" is translated in some versions as "let your manner of life." The actual greek word means "to live as a citizen." Christians are citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem, the church (Hebrews 12:22-23). Not just anyone is a citizen of the church. One has to fulfill certain requirements to become a citizen of the heavenly Jerusalem. Then one has to continue to live as a proper citizen.

Notice that the gospel is connected with this citizenship. One must read, study and obey the gospel to be a proper citizen. Then one is obeying the King of the city, the Lord. A Christian pledges to live worthy of the gospel. When one becomes a Christian he pledges to live like Christ. He is stating that he will have a mind like Christ.

Keep reading your Bible. Learn all you can about how to be a citizen in the heavenly Jerusalem. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.

Mark McWhorter

Copyright 2002

Published by The Old Paths Bible School
(http://www.oldpaths.org)