NOUN | citizenship
the quality of an individual’s response to membership in a community
synonyms: autonomy, emancipation, privilege, sovereignty, self-determination
Theodore Roosevelt said, “The first requisite of a good citizen in this Republic of ours is that he shall be able and willing to pull his weight.” While pulling one’s weight is admirable, it is not the only requisite indicator of being a good citizen. While the Apostle Paul reminds us that we are not citizens of this world, we are to live in such a way as to give honor to Christ in our communities and in our nation.
As those who will one day be the decision-makers for our country, our students will learn the biblical heritage of our nation and develop the civic responsibility that is critical if they are to become the godly leaders of America’s future.
This will require our students to practice the following characteristics of good citizenship:
- Respect: Respect includes the idea of esteem or admiration. Our students will demonstrate respect for ideas, people and our nation.
- Responsibility: This includes both private, personal responsibility and public responsibility. Responsibility is about action. In a world that avoids responsibility our students will be challenged to take ownership of responsibility for their actions, thoughts and deeds.
- Courage: As shown throughout history, individuals, with the conviction of truth and the strength given by God, can stand firm in the face of great obstacles. Slaves were freed, laws were changed and genocide was stopped because individuals showed great courage in the face of evil. Courage enables people to do the right thing even when it’s unpopular, difficult, or dangerous.Titus 2:7-8
Titus 2:7-8 (NIV84)
In everything set them an example by doing what is good.
In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.