Affirmation of God: My citizenship is in Heaven.

Paul said in Philippians 3:20: For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (NKJ). 

Citizenship has become such a large issue in recent years in the United States. A quick check at www.dictionary.com shows a definition 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. As a citizen of Heaven, I have certain rights, privileges and duties and I should have a certain character as a member. 

Who are we to be? Back in Philippians 3:3 Paul says: “…who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,” (NKJ)

We are to worship God in the Spirit. We are to rejoice in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh. These are all our rights, privileges and our duties aren’t they? Something moves me in Philippians 3:8-9 where Paul shares that when he lost his old self he gained Christ and was “found in him”. 

It is my prayer that we find ourselves in God and this citizenship. That we live our lives based on His rights, His privileges and His duties. May we continue to seek as is stated in 3:12: 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. (NKJ) 

May 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 verse 13: “ …but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,” (NIV) 

Forget the past and just reach forward. 3:14 “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (NIV) The upward call of God in Christ Jesus; that is our calling and our citizenship.

Considering our citizenship is in heaven, how will we handle our duties today? Will we spend time focused on our past or will we look forward and press on? What does citizenship in heaven mean to you? What other affirmations do you find in Philippians 3? 

Tom Raines

Christian Affirmations 4 Life