The Citizens of Heaven

With all of the yuck that our lives go through, it is the thought of heaven that for me, brings some perspective to not only the mundane, but also the days that make this life downright depressing. My thoughts of heaven help me remember that this life is so short and that the life on the other side, in His presence, will never end. Heaven's reality calls us to live a grander and bigger life since we know that our ultimate destination is there, not here.

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ". Philippians 3:20

In writing to the Philippian church, Paul reminds them of something they truly understood from their citizenship in the Roman Empire. Philippi was a Roman colony made up of many soldiers, who after serving 21 years in the military, were given full citizenship. Wherever one of these colonies were found, one would see Roman dress, customs, religion, education, language (Latin), morals, and Roman justice. These places were just other versions of Rome someplace in the world. So when Paul calls them to remember that just as they were Roman colonists/citizens and could not forget it, because it permeated every aspect of their lives. He makes the same inference to them that Christ Followers are citizens of heaven and that they cannot forget that they belong to heaven. You see...

Our conduct will always match which citizenship we are embracing.

What are the implications for us in regard to heaven? There are many, but here are four:
1. We do not belong to this world. We are here for a short bit, just passing through to a land that is beyond our wildest imaginations.
2. We will never find that earth fully satisfies. Life here can be so awesome, but nothing compared what the kingdom of God gives us.
3. We will never find the world to be loving and loyal to us. This world will turn on any and everyone at a moment's notice. God said he would never leave us nor forsake us. This world is bent only in using us until it is done with us and then it just moves on.
4. We get the full privileges of Heaven. Citizens have the full rights to that citizenship. We should take full advantage of that.

Paul said this also in 1 Corinthians 2:9 - "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no heart has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him."

Heaven awaits and I so long for its coming.