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If you are a Christian, no earthly city is yours. Of our City 'the Builder and Maker is God.' Though we may gain possession of the whole world, we are withal but strangers and sojourners in it all. We are enrolled in heaven: our citizenship is there! Let us not, after the manner of little children, despise things that are great, and admire those which are little! Not our city's greatness, but virtue of soul is our ornament and defence. If you suppose dignity to belong to a city, think how many persons must partake in this dignity, who are whoremongers, effeminate, depraved and full of ten thousand evil things, and at last despise such honour! But that City above is not of this kind; for it is impossible that he can be a partaker of it, who has not exhibited every virtue.

John Chrysostom#16

FaithVirtueSpiritualityCitizenshipIdentity

About this quote

What does it mean?
True citizenship and worth come from virtue and God, not earthly cities or status.
In plain terms
Our real home is heaven; earthly status does not define worth.
What can you take from it?
Virtue matters more than earthly reputation.

Where it applies

  • identity crises
  • political loyalty

Putting it to work

  • focus on character
  • not seek status

Questions to consider

  • Where is your true home?
  • What defines your worth?

Another view

Earthly rights and protections still matter for daily life.

More from John Chrysostom

  1. Do you wish to honor the Body of the Savior? Do not despise it when it is naked. Do not honor it in church with silk vestments while outside it is naked and nu…

    Permalink to quote #15
  2. For what advantage is it, that the world enjoys profound peace, if thou art at war with thyself? This then is the peace we should keep. If we have it, nothing …

    Permalink to quote #17
  3. A servant, indeed, one will be able perhaps to bind down by fear; nay, not even for him, for he will soon leave you. But the partner of one's life, the mother …

    Permalink to quote #14

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