As Christians, we do not live in a bubble.  We live, work, and participate in society, and oftentimes occupy very important roles in local communities and society at large.  What is our responsibility to this world in which we live?

First, I would remind all of us that, no matter what role we occupy in this world, we are not to get too attached to it.  Paul put it like this:

2 Timothy 2:4 (ESV)
⁴  No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.

John warns us not to love this world or the things in it (1 John 2:15).  While there is nothing wrong with getting involved in certain social issues, we must remember that our real duty, commitment, and loyalty is to Christ, not this world.

As citizens in society, we must set a good example for all.  People in the world are watching us.  Paul referred to saints as epistles of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:3), and sometimes we are the only letter that people in the world will ever read.  The question is, what kind of message are we giving them.  The importance of this is seen in the many passages that exhort us to live carefully when we are amid the world.

Philippians 2:15 (ESV)
¹⁵  That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 

Titus 2:7-8 (ESV)
⁷  Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, ⁸  and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 

1 Peter 2:12 (ESV)
¹²  Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

The most important source of exhortation along these lines is Jesus Himself.  In the great Sermon on the Mount, He tells us to let our light shine so that the world will see our good works (Matthew 5:14-16).

Does the world see good works when it observes you?  Good works would include being good citizens who obey the laws of the land (Romans 13:1-7).  It would also include loving our neighbors (ver. 8), treating people with dignity and respect.  This is what the world should see when they examine us.  We should be good employers and employees, husbands and wives, parents and children, and, really, just good citizens in general, who always strive to do what is right, not to please man, but to please God.

So, what should we do as members of society?  We should watch our words, guard our conduct, and do everything we can to be good citizens, taking every opportunity to tell others about Jesus.  If we do that, we will be living a good life now, and have a reward in heaven later. 

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.