Citizen One

Socrates (a Greek Athenian philosopher) said, "I am not an Athenian, nor a Greek, but a citizen of the world." What words come to your mind regarding this quote? The word that I think of is united. I am a citizen of the world that God created. What is meant by this, is we are one central people. The children of God. So being fellow citizens of this world it is our duty to love one another and have respect for each other. I remember reading in one of my History textbooks this idea of citizen virtue, where the people put aside their individual differences for the good of the whole. So they could be a stronger people, more united. In putting away their differences their strengths were highlighted making for an overall better community. How can we do this and how does it apply to being a good Christian for God? I see it as trying (with the Holy Spirit's help) to live with people as peaceably as possible (which is pleasing in the Lord's eyes). With each day brings new circumstances and how we deal with these circumstances is very important. I know people can be very frustrating, maddening, annoying, etc. but for the love of Jesus I saw we should try to show them His love just the same. Think about this though, you also can be just as frustrating or annoying or yes, even maddening but God still shows you His unconditional love. So we must forgive others of their short comings just as God forgives us of ours. In doing this we become a more united people, slowly but surely, one person at a time. Because the example you layout for others will be picked up by someone else and they will show that good example of Jesus as well...creating a domino effect. The moral of this post is that we should love one another with the love that God gives us thus becoming a more united children of our Father. And with this comes improving the present moment; so I ask you how will you improve the present moment? Paul clearly tells us (in many ways and many times) how he will do just this...improve the present moment; alas that will wait till my next post. Until then dear friends, shine the light that He has shown on you.