July 13, 2023

Citizens of Heaven

Daily Devotional2 Minutes

“Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our lowly condition into conformity with His glorious body.”—Philippians 3:20–21 NASB

Sometime in the early second century AD, an unknown person wrote a letter to an influential pagan named Diognetus. This writer had been investigating Christians and reported his observations.

He noted that Christians “are indistinguishable from other men either by nationality, language, or customs.” They don’t live in separate cities or speak a strange dialect. And they don’t “follow some outlandish way of life.”

Yet they were different: “There is something extraordinary about their lives.” For one thing, “Their teaching is not based upon reveries inspired by the curiosity of men” and not based on “purely human doctrine.”

They may “play their full role as citizens,” but “they live in their own countries as though they were only passing through.” For them, “any country can be their homeland.” He recognized, “they are citizens of heaven” and their homeland “is a foreign country.” Even though “they live in the flesh,” he commented, “they are not governed by the desires of the flesh.”

Through his investigation, this writer identified central facts of the Christian life. As the Bible tells us, we are citizens of Heaven. Our focus needs to be on heavenly things and serving God.

Remember, you are a citizen of Heaven. Your primary loyalty is to God’s Kingdom. Live so others will see that there is something different about you. Commit your life to God. Allow Him to impact lives for Christ.

Reflection Question: Are you living like a citizen of Heaven or like a citizen of the world?

Prayer
Father, I realize my citizenship is in Heaven. Give me perspective on my life and the challenges I face. I seek to serve You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Today's Bible Reading
Philippians 3

Prayer
Father, I realize my citizenship is in Heaven. Give me perspective on my life and the challenges I face. I seek to serve You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Today's Bible Reading
Philippians 3