Activity: What does a Citizen of Heaven Look Like?

You may complete the activity below or by downloading/printing the pdf.

There are several different passages in the Bible that describe the way a citizen of God’s Kingdom should live, act, and think. 

One of my favorites is Romans 12. On the one hand, it provides such a clear path towards peace. On the other hand, you quickly realize how impossible it is to actually live this way.

Unless, of course, God is at work in your heart (more on that in the upcoming topics). For now, read the words of Romans 12 and then answer the questions at the end.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Questions:

1) This is a really challenging list of virtues. Did any of them seem particularly important to you personally? Write them down:

2) Did any of the virtues or guidelines seem particularly challenging for you? Write those down:

3) Why do you think God gave us all unique gifts? Who should benefit from our gifts?

4) If this is how people will act in the Kingdom of God, how should this impact the way we treat others where we live, work, and play? How does it impact the way you engage in politics? How does it impact the way you treat your neighbor?

5) Spend some time in prayer, asking that God’s Kingdom would come. Not just on earth, but also in our hearts.