Singapore is our Garden City. This is the place that God has given to us and whose name we have taken on as part of our identity – Singaporeans.

But as Christians, we recognise that we are both citizens of heaven and citizens of this land. 

As such, we ought to be a blessing and a signpost for all who live here, to be salt and light in our interactions with the people we meet and at the intersections of our lives.

How then shall we live? How shall we relate to Singapore as Christians?

Allow me to share two biblical metaphors for our consideration.

Singapore as a garden: We’re God’s stewards

After the creation of Man, God took Adam and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it (Genesis 2:15).

The words “work” and “take care” paint a picture of careful cultivation, to cause to be fruitful, to exercise great care over and to pay attention to.

Adam, as God’s first steward of His Garden, was given the task to contribute to the fruitfulness and beauty of His creation.

It meant a consistent commitment and a daily diligence to the task. He was not just to walk the garden, but also work the garden.

In the same way, we can see Singapore as a garden that God has entrusted to us.

That means we should give our best in our different spheres of influence (eg our workplaces, schools, marketplaces, families), living with excellence and integrity.

Let us water, prune and take good care of all He has given to us – to view our work as a source of fruitfulness and beauty to be enjoyed by ourselves and those around us, and to bring glory to our Creator.

Let us also see this stewardship as a partnership of many hands.

In Genesis 2:18, “The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

While many of us use this Scripture to describe marriage – and rightly so – I believe that God’s intention was also to give Adam a helper to co-steward this garden. Adam was not meant to be alone in this task.

In the same way, we are not called to this task of tending our Garden City alone. God has intended for helpers to come alongside and for us to be a helper to someone else too.

It is not just a personal call but a collective one. 

Singapore is our entrusted garden where we are called to be co-stewards with God and one another.

Singapore as a city: We’re God’s watchmen

The Lord spoke to Ezekiel: “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.” (Ezekiel 33:7)

As a watchman, Ezekiel was to be on the lookout – to be vigilant and alert at all times.

To not only peer into the far distance, but also look into the near surroundings. To see, to hear and to even smell for signs of danger coming to the city.

To do this, and to do it well, Ezekiel needed to understand that he was part of the city.

His own destiny, his life – both present and future – was intimately intertwined with that of the city. He had to love it as he loved his life.

Brothers and sisters, God has called and placed us in this city of Singapore. For a season, for a reason. He calls us to love this city as much as He loves it.

As its watchmen, we are to watch over and watch out for this city.

To sound the alarm when we see danger approaching. To be a prophetic voice for the nation. To call this city to righteousness and justice. To protect its people from harm.

It is not just a personal responsibility. It is also a collective call. We are to do this together with our Christian community.

Singapore is our entrusted city where we are called to be co-watchmen.

So let us be all in for Singapore, our Garden City. I invite you to say this prayer together with me.

Lord, help me tend this garden Thine
Through work and care Your glory shine 
Though sweat of brow and thorns abound
Let joy of heart and praises sound

Help me defend this city Thine 
To watch and keep with prayer divine
When danger looms and enemies hound
Let faith arise and courage sound

In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen

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