Day 1: Shine Your Light
Scripture Reading (CSB): Matthew 5:13-16
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Commentary
In this passage, Jesus presents two powerful metaphors: salt and light. Salt preserves and enhances flavor, while light illuminates and guides. As Christians, we are called to embody these traits in a world that often finds itself lost in moral and ethical darkness. Our lives should reflect the character of Christ and thereby contribute to preserving the goodness and truth within our culture. Being ‘salt’ means living in a way that prevents decay and corruption while influencing others for good.
Simultaneously, being ‘light’ means living visibly and authentically in a way that allows others to witness the transformative power of God’s love and grace in our lives. This visibility is not for self-glorification but for directing glory to God. Our lives and actions should cause others to see God’s work in us, prompting them to seek Him themselves. As we approach interactions with society, including political and civic duties, we carry with us the responsibility to embody these roles of salt and light.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways are you acting as salt and light in your current environment?
- How can you become more intentional about letting your light shine in your community?
- Are there situations where you’ve “hidden your light under a basket”? How can you change that?
- How does your faith influence your participation in societal duties such as voting?
Thought of the Day
Being a visible representation of Christ can influence society in profound ways, both personally and collectively.
Song: “We Are” by Kari Jobe
Prayer Focus
Pray for the strength and courage to be salt and light in all facets of life. Ask God to reveal opportunities where you can make a meaningful impact for His kingdom in your community and beyond.
Day 2: Citizenship in Heaven
Scripture Reading (CSB): Philippians 3:20-21
“…but our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious body, by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself.”
Commentary
Paul reminds us that our ultimate allegiance belongs to the Kingdom of Heaven. While we engage with the realities and responsibilities of earthly citizenship, such as voting and societal participation, we must remember our greater calling. Our identity as Christians is rooted in our relationship with Jesus Christ, who promises to transform us and the world around us. This eternal perspective should shape how we engage with temporary political and social systems.
Being citizens of heaven means that our actions on earth — whether in personal lives, communities, or national contexts — should reflect our heavenly values. We are called to bring godly wisdom and compassion into our civic duties, knowing that these reflect the eternal truths of the Kingdom. Our hope lies in Christ alone, who transforms us and provides the power to affect the world positively.
Reflection Questions
- How does knowing your true citizenship is in heaven influence your daily decisions?
- What earthly attachments might distract you from your heavenly calling?
- How can your participation in civic duties reflect heavenly values?
- In what ways do you eagerly anticipate the return of Christ, as mentioned in this passage?
Thought of the Day
Let your heavenly citizenship guide your earthly actions, anchoring your hope in Christ’s transformative power.
Song: “Soon and Very Soon” by Andrae Crouch
Prayer Focus
Pray for clarity in your dual role as an earthly and heavenly citizen. Ask for wisdom in aligning your actions and decisions with your identity in Christ.
Day 3: Responsible Engagement
Scripture Reading (CSB): Romans 13:1-5
“Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval.”
Commentary
Paul’s teaching in Romans 13 reminds us of the divine origin of authority and order within society. By submitting to governing structures, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty over human systems, understanding that He allows leaders to be in place for particular reasons. This submission is not passive acceptance but involves active engagement for justice and righteousness. As salt and light, Christians have the responsibility to shape and influence their surroundings through participation and advocacy.
Engagement in civic duties should be motivated by the desire to see God’s goodness reflected in society. This can include voting, advocating for ethical policies, and upholding justice. While not all authorities may act justly, our role is to continue being a positive influence, promoting God’s kingdom agenda. By doing good, we can impact society positively and creatively use the structures God has placed over us for His glory.
Reflection Questions
- How do you interpret submission to governing authorities in today’s context?
- In what ways can you be a proactive participant in societal structures?
- How should you respond when authorities do not promote justice and righteousness?
- What are some practical ways you can influence your community positively?
Thought of the Day
Authority is instituted by God for order and justice; our role is to influence it for good.
Song: “God of This City” by Chris Tomlin
Prayer Focus
Pray for the leaders in your community and country, asking God to grant them wisdom and justice in their decision-making. Pray also for discernment in your role to positively influence these systems.
Day 4: Aligning with Convictions
Scripture Reading (CSB): Deuteronomy 1:13-17
“Choose for your tribes wise, understanding, and respected men, and I will set them over you. You replied to me, ‘What you propose to do is good.’ So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and set them over you as leaders: commanders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, and officers for your tribes.”
Commentary
Choosing leaders with integrity and wisdom is a consistent biblical principle. The Israelites were instructed to select leaders who exemplified character, wisdom, and ability. This underscores the importance of conviction and discernment in leadership, especially as we participate in selecting our leaders through voting or other means. Leaders set the tone for a nation or community, and it is crucial that they embody the qualities that further God’s purposes.
Christians are called to vote in alignment with biblical convictions, selecting leaders who prioritize justice, fairness, and wisdom. Our choices should not be dictated by external pressures or mere affiliations but should reflect deeply held beliefs derived from Scripture. This principles-driven approach ensures that the leaders we support mirror the values we cherish. Engaging in thoughtful deliberation and prayer is essential, guiding us to make informed choices that align with God’s standards.
Reflection Questions
- What qualities are most important to you in a leader, based on biblical principles?
- How can you better educate yourself about candidates’ values and actions before voting?
- Are there convictions you hold that might be challenged in the current political climate?
- How can you maintain integrity in your choice of leaders beyond political biases?
Thought of the Day
Leadership requires wisdom and integrity; choose representatives who reflect these qualities in alignment with your convictions.
Song: “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” by Hillsong UNITED
Prayer Focus:
Pray for discernment and guidance in aligning your political and societal choices with your biblical convictions. Seek God’s wisdom as you live out these values in your everyday actions and decisions.
Day 5: Trusting God Over Systems
Scripture Reading (CSB): Psalm 146:3-6
“Do not trust in nobles, in a son of man, who cannot save. When his breath leaves him, he returns to the ground; on that day his plans die. Happy is the one whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them. He remains faithful forever.”
Commentary
The psalmist provides a stark reminder that human leadership is temporary and limited. Whether noble or common, all earthly leaders are fallible and finite, unable to provide ultimate security or salvation. This reflection steers us away from placing unwarranted trust in political or social systems and redirects our hope towards God alone, the eternal and unchanging Creator. In trusting God, we find a firm foundation that withstands the shifting sands of human endeavors.
Recognizing God’s sovereignty and faithfulness allows us to navigate societal systems with peace and assurance, knowing that He alone orchestrates ultimate justice and truth. While we participate in earthly processes like voting and civic duties, we do so with the understanding that our ultimate allegiance and trust rests with God. It is He who remains our constant source of hope and guidance, no matter the political climate or leadership changes.
Reflection Questions
- How often do you find yourself placing hope in human leaders rather than God?
- What practices can help you continually refocus your trust on God rather than earthly systems?
- How does trusting in God rather than human systems change your approach to societal engagement?
- In what areas do you need to relinquish control and place your trust fully in God?
Thought of the Day
Human systems are limited and temporary; find your steadfast hope in God, who is eternally faithful.
Song: “Cornerstone” by Hillsong Worship
Prayer Focus
Pray for an unwavering trust in God, especially in uncertain times. Seek His everlasting peace and wisdom as you engage with the world, knowing He will remain faithful and true irrespective of earthly leadership changes.