One of the first things we Singaporeans learn in primary school: the national pledge of Singapore.
It begins with the words “we, the citizens…”
As a Singaporean citizen, I have been conferred with the benefits of citizenship:
Subsidised housing and medical care
Social safety nets and provisions
Most powerful (and desired) passport globally
Stability, cleanliness, and peace
Having been travelling more intensively over the past few months, more than ever I realise the meaning of the old adage “home is where the heart is”. Only upon returning through Changi Airport, after a particularly long trip, and getting through immigration in 3 minutes makes it feel like the lyrics of the Kit Chan song: “this is where I know I’m home”.
It is important to note that the benefits of citizenship in the country come with responsibilities!
Support and defend the country
Stay informed of happenings
Respect and obey laws
Respect fellow citizens
Participate in the community
As Christians, we are “an holy nation, a peculiar people” (1 Peter 2:9); we have a spiritual citizenship in the Kingdom of heaven (Matthew 16:18-19; Philippians 3:20 - ESV). The lyrics of the oft-sung hymn “This world is not my home” reminds us that as wonderful as these citizenship benefits are on this earth, it is just for a short while - our treasures are “laid up somewhere beyond the blue”.
We, the citizens of this heavenly kingdom, enjoy many privileges: because they are based on the love of our Everlasting God for us.
Access to the Almighty and All-powerful God (Creator, Sustainer, Provider) through prayer and supplication (James 5:13-16)
Showered by abundant blessings: physical (Matthew 6:25-32) and spiritual (Ephesians 1:3)
Assurance of the promises that will be fulfilled (Numbers 23:19)
Fellowship with brethren who perceive us, and provoke us to love and to good works (Hebrews 10:22-25)
Perhaps let’s remind ourselves of what it means to be a citizen of God’s kingdom, by recalling the pledge that we have made before man to God: “I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God”, and subjecting ourselves to be baptised for the remission of our sins.
A pledge of renouncing our past, as we hold on to hope for the future
A pledge of belonging to, trusting in, and hoping for the Saviour - Jesus Christ
A pledge of the heart, soul, strength, and mind : made with the entirety of our being
In light of these, have we…
Supported and defended the kingdom? (Or are we working to break the kingdom down?)
Stayed informed of happenings? (Or are we unaware of what is taking place?)
Respected and obeyed its laws? (Or do we find ways to “get around” the system?)
Actively demonstrated love to our fellow citizens? (Or do we scoff at each other?)
Participated in the community? (Or do we shun it?)
May we, the citizens of the spiritual kingdom, work towards the glory of this beautiful kingdom together.
Ask Myself:
What are some privileges we have being Christians?
What does it mean when we confess Christ?
Refer to the second last paragraph “in light of these, have we…”. What are some ways we can go about achieving those things listed?
Suggested Answers:
Access to God through prayer, showered by physical and spiritual blessings, assurance of promises that will be fulfilled, fellowship with brethren
We will renounce our past, trust in Jesus and acknowledge that He is our Lord and Master, and love God with our heart, soul and mind.
You may discuss this with the writer or your Bible class teacher.