PHILIPPIANS 3:20

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;”

Here in the U.S., a new requirement has gone into place requiring every U.S. citizen to present a photo ID to board a domestic flight which can be a U.S. passport or the new state issued REAL ID driver’s license. I got my REAL ID last month. This new rule has been debated and discussed all across our county with many refusing to get that new ID. All I know is I was warned during my last flight that I would need it or my passport to board any future domestic flights.

Did you know we have to have the correct ID to enter heaven? Yep, no noncitizens are allowed. Hey, wait a minute Carl! I thought heaven was for everyone! Well, it is, but you must have your citizenship ID stamped to get in. How is that done? Paul states that in the verse – “a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” There is no other way in, no matter what the world may tell you.

APPLICATION

The word for “citizenship” only occurs here in the noun form. It does occur in the verb form in Acts 23:1 where it is translated as “I have lived my life,” and in Philippians 1:27 where it says, “Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” You see, our citizenship isn’t just the fact that we are now children of the King. We also must live like it, conduct ourselves like it.

Why do we think we can just say a prayer and say we are followers of Christ and live any way we want? Why do we think we can disregard clear teachings from His Word and say we are citizens of heaven? Citizenship requires adherence to the requirements of the land. Our citizenship in heaven does also. We must follow God’s rules and regulations.

Jesus says is John 14:21, “‘He who has my commandments and keeps them, he is the one who loves me…’” I long for my heavenly home, but I am more concerned about how I represent my Savior down here. My conduct needs to reflect the One to whom I have pledged allegiance. So does yours.

I am thankful I am a citizen of Your kingdom, O Lord. Help me live in a manner to reflect it.