A Better Citizenship
Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:20
A Better Citizenship – Womenās Devotion
Iām not a soccer fan. I donāt understand the nuances of the game, and itās not a sport Iāll choose to watchāexcept during the Olympics and the World Cup. As long as the United States team is in the tournament, Iāll keep track of how theyāre doing and turn on their matches if I have a chance. Soccer isnāt my sport, but Iām loyal to the US team as an American citizen.
The apostle Paul wouldnāt have found anything wrong with this loyalty. After all, he was a Roman citizen by birth, and he utilized the benefits of this citizenship on at least two occasions (Acts 22:25-29 and 25:10-11). But Paul also knew the benefits of a better citizenship, a heavenly oneāand we share those same benefits.
One day, our countryās division and strife will be replaced by a life of perfect unity with all believers of all time. Our flawed political leaders will be replaced by the perfect Lamb who was slain but now reigns. Our unease about laws and court rulings will be replaced by the certainty of heaven, where we will worship our God in unending peace and joy. We look forward to the day when our faith turns to sight and we see the promised heavenly country with our own eyes.
But what about now? What about our lives today? Yes, our heavenly citizenship is sure. But we are still citizens of this sin-filled world, and we are called to live in ways that honor our heavenly citizenship. The specifics of this will look different for each of us as we live out our daily vocations. There are, however, some common threads.
Pray for the leaders of our country, especially asking for wisdom. Submit to their authority as long as it is not in conflict with Godās commands. Fulfill your civic responsibility by participating in the political process as you are willing and able. And, most importantly, tell those around you about the Savior you eagerly await so that they, too, might one day trade their earthly citizenship for a citizenship in heaven.
Iām not a soccer fan. But itās exciting to talk with others about how well the US team is doing, especially after a particularly good match. May we all share that same sense of excitement in talking with others about a citizenship that offers more benefits than any national allegiance: our heavenly citizenship as daughters of the King.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for making us citizens of your heavenly kingdom. While we eagerly await the day when we will reap the full benefits of this heavenly citizenship, lead us to be good citizens of our earthly country as well. Give our leaders wisdom to carry out their responsibilities and remind us to always keep them in our prayers. Amen.
Written by Kristi Meyer
