Christian Social Responsibility (Part 4)

Today’s reading is a continuation of Section 5 of the Lausanne Covenant - Christian Social Responsibility. Read Here.

When people receive Christ they are born again into his kingdom and must seek not only to exhibit but also to spread its righteousness in the midst of an unrighteous world. The salvation we claim should be transforming us in the totality of our personal and social responsibilities. Faith without works is dead.

The Doctrine of the Kingdom

Section 5 concludes with a strong challenge to all who have been born again into God’s kingdom (John 1:12-13; 3:3, 5) and now live as citizens under his righteous rule. To be part of the kingdom means more than simply acknowledging Christ as King—it means submitting to his authority in every area of life and seeking to reflect his character in the world. We are under obligation to exhibit the righteous standards of the kingdom in our conduct, relationships, and priorities.

Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount that members of his kingdom must 'hunger and thirst for righteousness' (Matthew 5:6) and display a righteousness that goes far beyond the outward legalism of the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 5:20). This is not a righteousness of mere rule-keeping, but one that comes from a transformed heart. We must also 'seek first his kingdom and his righteousness' (Matthew 6:33) — making God's rule and God's way of life the supreme good to which we devote our energy, time, and resources.

This pursuit is not only about living by kingdom values ourselves, but also about actively working to spread righteousness in an unrighteous world. It is the practical outworking of being 'the salt of the earth' (Matthew 5:13) — preserving what is good, restraining what is corrupt, and bringing the flavour of God's grace into every sphere of life.

Jesus drew no distinction between salvation and the kingdom of God (Mark 10:23–27; see Isaiah 52:7). To be saved is to enter the kingdom, and that salvation should lead to ongoing transformation. Paul urged believers to 'be transformed' (Romans 12:2) and affirmed that 'we are being transformed... into his image' (2 Corinthians 3:18). Such transformation should touch every part of us. If it does not, we must heed the warning: 'faith without works is dead' (James 2:20).

Reflection:

Does your life truly reflect the righteousness of God's kingdom in every sphere of influence?

Prayer:

Lord, rule over every part of my life, and transform me to live and serve as a faithful citizen of your kingdom.