Christians In the World

Christians live in the tension of living FOR the Kingdom of God while living IN the Kingdom of the World. 

Titus 3:1–2

"Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people."

While here, we have a social responsibility to the government and the people in the society. Christians are called to live in obedience to authority (to the ability that you can) and to be ready for good works. We should live peaceably in this world by avoiding slander and fighting and showing kindness and gentleness.

Jeremiah 29:7

"Pursue the well-being of the city I have deported you to. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for when it thrives, you will thrive."

Jeremiah's words to those living in exile apply to the church today as it also lives in exile. The Christian's citizenship is in Heaven, not this world. However, Christians should pray for this world and help it to thrive. This is a ministry of compassion.

Titus 3:3

"For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another."

Paul isn’t giving excuses for the behavior of people in the world. But he wants us to remember that they are deceived just as we once were so that we have compassion.  Just as Jesus sympathizes with us in our weakness, we should also sympathize with the world in their weakness. 

When we live at peace with each other and at peace with the world, we show others that there is a better way to live in Christ and in the Kingdom of God.