The best citizenship of all
“Our citizenship is in heaven and we eagerly await a Savior from there.” (Philippians 3:20)
If you want to start a spirited conversation in our country these days, just bring up the topic of a border wall, immigration or what rights those who are not citizens of our country should or shouldn’t have. Some people are even questioning what exactly it means to be a citizen of the United States as non-citizens seem to have almost the same rights as citizens.
Our Bible verse for this week reminds us of a citizenship each of us has as a Christian and the rights of that citizenship are real and rewarding.
What exactly does it mean that “Our citizenship is in heaven?” It is first of all a reminder that we are on a journey and that we are just passing through this earthly life. Along with that is a reminder that we not get extraordinarily attached to this life and the things of this life.
There is something else which is very important to notice about that phrase “Our citizenship is in heaven.” Notice that we are not told that someday we will have our citizenship in heaven after we pass a test or go through the necessary red tape. We already have our citizenship in heaven and it’s not something we have to wonder when we will get it or if we will obtain it. In other words, we should already be living out our heavenly citizenship.
Already having our earthly citizenship means that we can live with confidence and hope. Going around with our head down or acting like we have the worst lot in life is not living out our heavenly citizenship.
If you ask people what they think heaven will be like, you will get a multitude of very varied answers. Most of those answers are speculation or human wishes. Our verse reminds us of one thing we can be guaranteed as a part of our heavenly citizenship – “we eagerly await a Savior from there”. One of the things we are guaranteed with our heavenly citizenship is that Jesus is our Savior and with that we have the forgiveness of sins and can look forward to one day having that perfect home in heaven.
Enjoy the benefits and blessings which you already have as a citizen of heaven and look forward to one day enjoying the perfect fulfillment of all the blessings of your heavenly citizenship!