The City of God

After the church became dominant in the Roman Empire, some Christians felt that God’s people had become too worldly. Many people debated how deeply they should be involved in politics and in the world.

Augustine of Hippo, a distinguished theologian, grappled with this subject for more than fifteen years. The result was a profound book, The City of God. He described how the true home for Christians was in a spiritual city.

He argued that “the earthly city” was not everlasting and that those in it seek the “good in this world.” While there might be “good things” associated with the earthly city, “better things” are associated with “the heavenly city, which are secured by eternal victory and peace never-ending.”

Today, Christians continue to debate how involved we should be in the world. We are reminded that “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). But we also are commanded to pray for and support our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2) and submit to earthly authorities (Romans 13:1-7). We, too, remember God’s command to Jeremiah to “seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile,” and to pray “on its behalf.”

Today, remember to pray for your country and its leaders. Ask God to help you be a responsible citizen and a good example. But always seek first His Kingdom, and remember that your citizenship is in heaven.