Today’s Scripture: Philippians 3:20, NKJV- “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,”
Thirteen years ago, when I first captured this affirmation, citizenship was a large issue in the United States. Today there is very little talk of citizenship but just uncontrolled immigration. Millions immigrating and not even considering, valuing, or reaching for citizenship. A quick check at www.dictionary.com shows a definition for citizenship as follows:
–noun
1.
the state of being vested with the rights, privileges, and duties of a citizen (a native, naturalized member or inhabitant).
2.
the character of an individual viewed as a member of society; behavior in terms of the duties, obligations, and functions of a citizen: an award for good citizenship.
Some things stand out to me as I consider Paul’s statements in Philippians 3:20. As a citizen of Heaven, we have certain rights, privileges and duties and we should have a certain character as a member. What does Paul say our character should be? In Philippians 3:3, Paul instructs us to “worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” (NKJV)
Like Paul in Philippians 3:10, NLT- “I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death.” As we immigrate, as we go about our days, what are our ultimate goals? Can we look past today with a long-term goal of being a citizen with Christ?
We should look and strive for purpose. As Paul shares with us in Philippians 3:12, NKJV- “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” We can press on today with our eyes and hopes of citizenship with Jesus Christ.
It is my prayer that we press on; keep moving forward to take on all that this citizenship includes. Forget the past, quit feeling the guilt as Paul states strongly in Philippians 3:13-14, NIV- “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
We must have goals. We must be working towards an end. Is our goal citizenship in Heaven with Jesus Christ? We must not get lost in the chaos of life but be striving forward to what and who God is calling us to be in Him. We have duties today. We must live out the character of Christ. As citizens, we have the Word of God to ground us and grow us.
Where are you seeking citizenship today?
Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for your offer that we may have citizenship with You and Jesus Christ in heaven. Keep me mindful and diligent LORD in my actions and pursuits. Grant me clear goals and purpose to live as Your citizen. Help me to look forward and strive to be who You desire and have designed me to be. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
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