Heavenly Citizens

Dearly Beloved, I trust this finds you well and bubbling in the Lord. Philippians 1v27 (AMPC) says “Only be sure as citizens so to conduct yourselves [that] your manner of life [will be] worthy of the good news (the Gospel) of Christ, so that whether I [do] come and see you or am absent, I may hear this of you: that you are standing firm in united spirit and purpose, striving side by side and contending with a single mind for the faith of the glad tidings (the Gospel).” A citizen can be defined as “a native or naturalized member of a state or nation who owes allegiance to its government and is entitled to its protection (distinguished from alien). An inhabitant of a city or town, especially one entitled to its privileges or franchises.”

As believers, we are citizens of Heaven, and we are encouraged to conduct ourselves as such. We should live our lives in a manner that is worthy and reflective of our faith. Colossians 3v1-10 (NLT) says “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.” Amen.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for making us Your children and making us citizens of Heaven. Glory be to Your name in Jesus name, amen. We pray that we will indeed live our lives as citizens of your Kingdom, that we will be light in this generation and through our good deeds bring glory to Your name in Jesus name, amen.