I AM 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 this is a key concept in many of Paul’s writings 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 lens. As followers of Christ, we are “citizens of heaven.” This earthly existence is temporary; we are built 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. This citizenship gives me certain privileges as well as responsibilities. I have free access to travel in and out of the United States. However, 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 full backing of the United States government even when on foreign soil.
While we live temporarily on earth our permanent 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.
That means we also live differently than the people around us who are not citizens of heaven. We have a higher calling and expectation on our lives. We are following our Heavenly Father’s orders and expectations.
Therefore, we must be careful not to conform to the dictates of this world—they are temporary; we are eternal. They are the citizens of earth; we are citizens of heaven.
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.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
So glad to be a citizen of heaven.