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“But our citizenship is in Heaven…” Phil 3:20a (NIV)

When events that unfold around our country and our world get us down, we have to remember that for those who have put their trust in Jesus Christ, our citizenship is in Heaven. You see, this world…the one filled with unbelievable and incomprehensible sin and sorrow…this world is only our temporary home. Yes, our citizenship is in Heaven.

 To understand what it means to have citizenship, we must first understand what it means to be a citizen.  Good ol’ Webster has four definitions for this term. There is one that seems to be the most applicable. Let’s unpack it a bit…

 The first part of this definition says that a citizen is a native or naturalized member of a state or nation who owes allegiance to its government and is entitled to its protection. In Heaven, our allegiance must be to the Lordship of Christ. It costs us a lot to follow Jesus, but that is nothing compared to what we gain.

 Earlier in chapter 3 of Philippians, Paul says that he lost all things. Yet. He counted it all as rubbish compared to knowing, really knowing, Christ.

 The second part of that definition tells us we are entitled to protection. Oh, yes, we have that available to us. In full. No, it does not mean we won’t suffer trials. In fact, Jesus tells us in John 16:33 that in this world (you know, our temporary home), we will have trouble but to take heart. Why? Because HE overcame this world. He conquered death and offers that to us. Are we going to trust that He loves us enough to protect us? Are we going to begin our allegiance to the citizenship of Heaven now?  I think we should.

“Dear gracious and Heavenly Father, thank You so much for eternal citizenship in Heaven. Help me to begin my allegiance to Your Kingdom today.”

 For His Glory

 Laurel Shaler (www.drlaurelshaler.com)
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