LIVE AS A CITIZEN OF HEAVEN
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.
Philippians 1:27 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
What does it mean to “live as citizens of heaven?”
I think that is a key concept in the writings of Paul in the New Testament. Instead of viewing life simply as an earthly existence he decides to take a larger view of life through an eternal lease. As followers of Christ, we are “citizens of heaven.” This earth is only temporary because we are created for what is eternal.
When I travel into Europe, Africa, or South America I must show my passport. I am a citizen of the United States of America. That citizenship gives me certain privileges but also responsibilities. I have free access to travel in and out of the United States. But I also have the responsibility to abide by the laws of the United States.
If I get in trouble in a foreign country I can appeal to the local American embassy for help and assistance. Because I am an American citizen, I have the backing of the United States government even on foreign soil.
While we live on earth our citizenship is in heaven. When we get in trouble on earth we can appeal to heaven for help. Our Heavenly Father is only a prayer away to help His children.
But that means we also live differently than the people around us who are not citizens of heaven. We have a higher calling and expectation from our lives. We are following His orders and expectations.
We must be careful not to conform to this world—it is temporary, we are eternal. We are citizens of earth for a short time; we are citizens of heaven for eternity.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit please help me to live each day as a citizen of heaven. Help me to follow Your pattern and plan for my life.
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