Day 28
Holy Citizenship
Reflection by: Matt Rohr

Our responsibilities as citizens of the city of God center on the living according to God's will. His will is revealed to us through the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes. Our guiding principles are to love God and love our neighbor. We are guided by the Gifts of the Holy Spirit: knowledge, understanding, counsel, wisdom, courage, piety, and fear of the Lord. Using these gifts, we focus our unique talents and interests on making our world better for all not just ourselves. We are comfortable in taking this approach because we realize that our needs will be met because we trust the Lord will provide all we need.

So do not worry and say, "What are we to eat?" or "What are we to drink?" or "What are we to wear?" All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom and His righteousness,
and all these things will be given you besides. (Matthew 6:31-33)

The rewards we will earn and receive through doing our part in building the city of God will transcend these merely material needs. We will experience the fullness of God's love which is best summarized by the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. A world defined by these attributes is one we all seek.

The crucial first step is we begin with ourselves and subordinate our will to the will of God. We make the choice to live as He prescribes and trust that he will take care of us as He has promised.

God Bless You