Philippians 3:20 "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body."
Whenever my husband and I are traveling or meet someone new people will ask us where we are from. Normally we respond with the city and state where we reside and go on to tell them about what drew us to the city and what it has to offer it's citizens. Lately I have been thinking more and more about our response. What if we responded with the Truth instead of what people are expecting. What if our response to them was-"I am a citizen of heaven but am temporary residing in. . ."!
Some probably would laugh and make a joke out of what we said. Some would say, "You know, you are right! I like it." I'm sure some would snicker under their breath and move along quickly and then there are others who would feel so much at home with us that we would probably make some treasured friends. As the years have passed it really doesn't matter what people think. We love the Lord and are thrilled when we can prompt any conversation with food for thought.
When we are physically born we become a citizen of the city, the state, and country that we live in and we are born into the kingdom of this world that satan rules. (2 Corinthians 4:4) Therefore, we adopt the behaviors, the characteristics and the values that he, himself has put into place. He sets out to enslave the citizens of this world and they blindly follow as they don't know any different. They will remain in bondage their entire lives unless Jesus frees them. (Ephesians 2:1-4) The Bible tells us that the citizens of this world are enemies of the cross and live to please themselves. (James 4:4)
When we are born again by faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:3) we become part of the family of God and our citizenship now is in heaven. (Philippians 3:20) This citizenship grants us to be indwelt by the Holy Spirit who takes up residence in our lives, begins the transformation process and seeks to make us look as much like Jesus Christ as possible. While we are on this life long journey of sanctification God chooses to use us as Ambassadors for His Kingdom. Our focus should turn from that of earthly goals to heavenly endeavors where we seek to store up treasures in heaven.
Friends, as born again Believers we are here on earth literally on mission from God until He chooses take us home. Is it obvious to others that you are not from this world, can they see a difference or do you blend in so much with the citizens of this world that no one can tell? Friends, if we claim to be Believers in Jesus Christ then this world is truly not our home any longer and we must strive to live in such a way that others can clearly see where our allegiance lies. We can not, after all, straddle the gates of heaven.
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Personalize this prayer.
Dear Lord,
I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God. I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood. You've made me joint heirs with Jesus yet I'm still here traveling this world on mission for You. It is no secret that I long to be with You but I will press on and make myself available for You to use however and whenever You desire. If my life begins to resemble that of the world or if people are confused as to in whom my allegiance lies please get my attention and show me how I can change or what I can do so that my life preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ clearly. Help me to hold loosely to the things of this world and to give freely at every opportunity. It is a joy to not have to be burdened for my needs as You've promised that You would take care of all that if I would just trust in You. I do trust in You and I'm resting in You at this time in my life because I'm very aware that I can do nothing on my own. My life is all about You, Jesus.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
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