You are a citizen of heaven! “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:20 ESV
Do you feel like you don’t fit in? I grew up in Guatemala, a white red-head among brown-skinned, black-haired people. I never belonged there. When I moved to the United States, I didn’t belong here either. People talked about cultural things I didn’t get. When I lived in England for 3 years, at least people could tell by my accent that I was American, and I wasn’t expected to understand everything in their culture like I was expected to in the United States.
Even if you have grown up here in the United States, you’ve probable felt like you didn’t fit in at some point in your life. Maybe in school you weren’t in the popular clique. Maybe when you were at work, your co-workers made crass, perverse jokes and expected you to laugh. Maybe you didn’t fit in some other place because you felt like you couldn’t live up so someone’s expectations.
No matter what, as a believer, you belong with Christ. You are now in the family of God, and God is your Father. You have a rich inheritance (Ephesians 1: 11-14), and we have the power through the Spirit to walk holy, separated from worldliness. This is why we will never belong in this world.
Citizens have certain rights and privileges. Depending on where you are a citizen, that affects what you are allowed to do. As citizens of heaven, we want to please our Master. We have the right to come to Him in prayer to meet our needs. We have the privilege of having the Holy Spirit live inside of us. We are expected to follow and obey the One in charge.
Most people pursue the temporary things of this world: money, entertainment, exquisite food, bigger houses—but we pursue Christ. He provides what we need at the given time; we don’t need to pursue everything else. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 ESV
We have been transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13), so our citizenship is not of this world any more but with Christ’s kingdom. We have changed passports; our earthy one is replaced with a heavenly one, giving us access to our new country when we die.
God has provided a heavenly city for us. Hebrews 11:15-16 NASB says, “And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.”
Heaven is our homeland. Jesus is preparing a place for us there: “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:2-3 KJV
You are a citizen of heaven!
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My daughter and I created the artwork for this series from the course {aff} “You are a Masterpiece” by Alicia Gratehouse. If you love to do art and are discovering who you are in Christ, this is a great art course for you!
