Christian Living in Society: Family, Work, Citizenship, Stewardship and Social Responsibility
This domain tests how Christian faith shapes daily life in family, work, public life, care for creation and service to the community. Questions often use case studies about marriage, employment, obedience to authority, corruption and stewardship.
Family
Marriage is rooted in Genesis 2:24: leaving, cleaving and becoming one flesh. Christian teaching emphasises monogamy, fidelity, mutual love and honouring parents. Ephesians 5:21–33 calls husbands and wives to mutual submission and sacrificial love. Children are a gift, and family life should reflect forgiveness and respect.
Work
Work begins before the Fall in Genesis 2:15, so it has dignity. Colossians 3:23 urges work as service to Christ. Christians should be honest, diligent, fair to employees and respectful to employers. Rest is also commanded, so work must not become idolatry or exploitation.
Citizenship
Romans 13 calls Christians to respect lawful authority, pay taxes and pray for leaders. Jesus says, 'Render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's' (Mark 12:17). Obedience is not absolute: when the state commands what God forbids, Christians may practise civil disobedience and accept the consequences.
Stewardship and social responsibility
Stewardship covers time, talents, money and the environment. Christians are called to care for creation (Genesis 2:15), support the poor, widows and orphans, oppose corruption, and contribute to community development. Giving and tithing express gratitude and responsibility, not a way to buy favour.
Worked example
Question: 'A Christian civil servant is asked to inflate a contract. What should they do?' Answer: refuse the bribe, report it through lawful channels where possible, document concerns, and trust God with the consequences. Reasoning: answer must apply honesty (Exodus 20:15), stewardship and courage, while recognising pressure and risk.
Traps
- Saying work is a result of the Fall.
- Teaching unconditional obedience to every government order.
- Limiting stewardship to money only.
- Ignoring family responsibilities in the name of ministry or work.