As Christians, we live with one foot on Earth and one foot in Heaven. We pledge allegiance to our country, but we belong, ultimately, to God. In a world that often pulls our loyalties in different directions, the challenge becomes clear: how do we live as faithful citizens of two kingdoms – Heaven and Earth – without compromising our beliefs or withdrawing from society?

It’s a balancing act that requires discernment, courage, and the virtue of justice, which calls us to give God what is due to Him and our neighbors what is due to them. July, a month marked by civic pride and national celebrations, is a fitting time to reflect on our dual citizenship and the responsibilities that come with it.

Our True Citizenship Is in Heaven

In Philippians 3:20, St. Paul writes, “Our citizenship is in Heaven, and from it we await a Savior.” This is the foundation of Catholic identity: we are made for eternity. Earth is not our final destination. Our words, actions, votes, and vocations should all reflect that truth.

But this heavenly perspective isn’t an excuse to ignore the world’s problems or escape its complexities. On the contrary, our faith demands that we engage, and that we do so with love, clarity, and courage.

Called to Transform the World, Not Flee From It

Living as Catholics in a secular world means we neither hide our faith nor wield it like a weapon. Instead, we:

– Bring the light of the Gospel into politics, education, media, work, and family life
– Form our consciences in light of Church teaching before we vote, serve, or advocate
– Respect others’ dignity, even when we disagree
– Speak truth with charity, resisting both silence and self-righteousness

Catholics are not meant to sit on the sidelines. We are called to build a culture of life, justice, and peace, even in systems that resist us. This is what it means to live out our earthly citizenship in service of our heavenly one.

What Faithful Citizenship Looks Like

Faithful citizenship isn’t limited to voting. It’s about the way we live every day:

– Support local initiatives that serve the poor, the unborn, the elderly, and the marginalized
– Raise children to think critically, love the truth, and act with integrity
– Use your voice and presence at school board meetings, town halls, and community forums
– Lead with virtue, whether you’re working in government or helping your neighborhood thrive
– Pray for our leaders – even the ones we disagree with

When we live like this, we don’t blend in or bow out. We become salt and light.

Examples of Faithful Dual Citizens

The Church gives us powerful examples of people who lived this balance well.

St. Thomas More served the king with loyalty but chose martyrdom over betraying his conscience. Blessed Franz Jägerstätter, an Austrian farmer, refused to fight for the Nazis and paid with his life. St. Teresa of Calcutta worked within the public square while boldly proclaiming Christ. Servant of God Dorothy Day engaged deeply in political and social issues through the lens of Catholic justice.

These saints weren’t just “religious people.” They were engaged citizens, animated by faith and anchored in eternal truth.

Living the Tension With Grace

There will always be tension between the Gospel and the culture. But that doesn’t mean we throw up our hands or shut down in fear. Instead, we walk the middle path – deeply rooted in faith, actively engaged in society, and always trusting that God is at work, even when things seem dark.

As Jesus prayed in John 17, “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth… As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.”

We are meant to be in the world, but not of it.

Ask yourself: What is one area of my life where I can live more courageously as a faithful citizen of Heaven and Earth?

Whether that means having a conversation with your kids, writing to your representative, volunteering at a local charity, or just being more intentional about how you engage online, start there.

You were made for both this moment in history and for eternity.

Want more? Don’t miss this episode of the Fairest Love podcast on Patriotism