“But our citizenship is in heaven.”

Philippians 3:20-21

“But our citizenship is in heaven.” It is good to be reminded of this fact isn’t it? The 24 hour news cycle, social media, busy lives … often cause us to forget this essential truth. We can become totally absorbed by the things of “this world” and be overwhelmed by all that we are exposed to.

Through the scriptures God calls us to live differently. In 1 Peter 1:17 Peter refers to us as “strangers here” and in 1 Peter 2:11 he identifies us as “strangers and aliens in the world”. This supports Paul’s statement in today’s reading regarding our citizenship.

So how do we live as citizens of heaven? Certainly worship, prayer, the sacraments, and fellowship are essential elements of living out our faith. But our minds and God’s word also play a significant role. In Philippians 3:19 the last sentence describes those who are opposed to the faith. Paul states, “Their mind is on earthly things.”

Contrast this with Romans 12:2 where Paul challenges believers to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind”, or Jesus’ words in Mark 12:30, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength”. What do we allow into our mind? What do we think about? What do we talk about? Reading, hearing, studying, and memorizing God’s word are key practices that can help us live as citizens of heaven. Of course, we cannot do this on our own, but only through the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Let’s challenge each other as brothers and sisters to live out our faith by demonstrating our true citizenship. What a witness for Jesus we could become if we would follow this practice in today’s culture. As encouragement we only need to refer to today’s reading where Paul states that “we eagerly await a Savior from there (heaven), the Lord Jesus Christ…”.  Let’s celebrate our true citizenship in the days and weeks ahead.

Claim Your Citizenship - Acts 22:23-30

As Christians we are citizens of Heaven even though we live in Ohio or Wisconsin or another country in this world. Citizenship affords us some privileges. Upon reaching a certain age I can get a driver’s license, get married, vote and apply for Social Security benefits. 

As a citizen of heaven, I have God’s promise of a better life someday, a healthy body and a new name. I didn’t buy this, but Jesus did. I didn’t earn this right, but grace has been bestowed upon me and I am forgiven and free.

In the lesson today, Paul is claiming his Roman citizenship to save him from a severe beating and possibly even save his life. Paul knew he had many people to reach yet, and he also knew the value of his citizenship. He had a right to a trial before punishment and he spoke up.

"The commander went to Paul and asked, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?”

“Yes, I am,” he answered.

Then the commander said, “I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship.”

“But I was born a citizen,” Paul replied.

Those who were about to interrogate him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains. (Acts 22:27-29)

It is good to claim our citizenship, to take advantage of the rights and privilege which accompanies our status. As people who have been claimed by Christ we have a duty to share that with others; to offer the same opportunity to our neighbors. Let’s take a lesson from Paul and speak up.

Read the Acts 22:23-30 text here.