Certain Citizenship

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
Philippians 3:20-21

Do you have a hard time orienting your life in the present to the realities promised by God?
 
Even though we are able to imagine future outcomes, we are often overwhelmed by besetting issues and problems. And in many ways dealing with what is in front of us is a healthy way to live. Didn’t Jesus say, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”(Matthew 6:34)?

But here Paul is reminding the Philippians to live faithfully despite the present obstacles and unhelpful enemies, because of their status and their destiny. They are citizens in another kingdom (heaven) and they will be transformed in the future to glory like our Savior Jesus.

This is helpful, despite our circumstances, we look to Jesus and his way of humble love as a defining characteristic of our belonging and citizenship in God’s Kingdom. We do not stoop to the ways of lesser kingdoms on earth but hold fast to the power that raised Jesus from the dead to live faithfully. This power is not only available to us in daily faithfulness, but it is able to bring a supernatural transformation in our lives for eternity.

Rejoice in your certain citizenship with its rights and future blessing.

Father,
We thank you for the glorious future you secured for us in the victory of Jesus. Empower us in our lives to live as citizens in the kingdom of heaven. Let this fundamental difference from the patterns and ways of earthly kingdoms and philosophies be a great contrast that draws people to your Son. Amen