-June 15, 2023-
Good morning, happy Thursday,
“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
(Philippians 3:20).
There are many names and titles for believers in Christ, such as Christians, followers of Christ, saints, disciples, servants of God, ambassadors for Christ, the salt of the earth, and the light of the world. But one of the most beautiful terms is citizens of heaven. We as believers have a dual citizenship: of heaven and earth. Just as there are privileges and responsibilities to being citizens of the United States of America, so too, there are the same with being citizens of the kingdom of heaven.
As citizens of our country, we enjoy rights, privileges, and blessings. We have the right to vote, own a home, buy what we need or want, have a free public education, hold a job, own a business, speak freely, assemble, and many more. So many people over the years have come to America and become citizens. They must pass a test and take an oath of allegiance. Many more people want to come here.
We as citizens of heaven are so richly blessed. Even while living on earth we own our allegiance to our Lord Jesus Christ and His kingdom. We have access in prayer to the throne of grace, have the Word of God, and the blessing of serving the Lord.
Just as there are privileges of citizenship, there are responsibilities as well. In our country, we are responsible to obey all the laws, local, state, and federal. Breaking the law carries penalties. We have freedoms but not to violate other’s rights. The same is true of believers as citizens of heaven. We must love and obey God, love others, and serve the Lord. We must answer first to the Lord, then our spiritual leaders, and then all those who have authority over us.
Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:19, “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” May the Lord help us to live for Christ and His kingdom; to serve Him and please Him.
Have a blessed day as a citizen of heaven while here on earth. Stay safe and healthy.
Not taking our citizenship for granted,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 