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!
Tags: Christian Living, heaven, prayer, Regaining Your Identity
“We have changed passports; our earthy one is replaced with a heavenly one, giving us access to our new country when we die.”
Wonderful! This also reminds me on the importance of being an ambassador of Christ in this world. Our thinking changes which then easily influences our actions. I too, don’t fit in often. And then I wonder if there is something wrong with me. Then he speaks, “You never belonged here, because you belong to me”. Too blessed by this Susan.
What a great way to tie in that we are ambassadors for Christ!
I need reminders like this, thank you! So often I feel like we just don’t fit in and that can be uncomfortable. But knowing that this world is not home helps bring peace when our hearts need it most. I’m so thankful this home right now is not all that I have to look forward to, but that I have such a heavenly home waiting for me – phew!
Our heavenly home will be way better than this!
Yes this hit my heart heavy. I feel like I am in a strange land and I just don’t quite fit in. It is hard to describe so I appreciate this. It isn’t a something easily explained …I just know there is a longing for Heaven in my heart.
There is a longing for heaven in my heart, too! Just last night at a prayer meeting, someone read a passage from Revelation about how we will have no more sorrow and no more tears, and I couldn’t wait!
Very timely reminder for me. This world is not our home and as we live for God we often may feel we don’t “fit in” here.
Yes, heaven is where we truly belong!
I’ve felt that way often, not really fitting in. It can get lonely but you’re right we aren’t meant to fit in!
We are citizens of heaven!
This is such a great reminder, Susan. Our home is heaven and that means we don’t fit in here. We are to stick out by our acts of love towards all people! In our current society, that certainly will stick out!
God’s love in us is the opposite of the world, so we will definitely stick out!
Hey, Susan! Good post. I’m reminded of CS Lewis saying that all the feelings of separateness and not belonging point us toward our citizenship in heaven. We were made for God’s Kingdom. Great encouragement for me this morning!
“All the feelings of separateness and not belonging point us toward our citizenship in heaven.” I love it!