Philippians 3:19 – 20 ” . . . Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Mark, the kids and I lived in Louisiana for a short time. While we were there, we met some wonderful people! We built some friendships there that will last forever. But in spite of the wonderful people of Louisiana, we never felt settled there. We lived there, but it was never really home. We wanted to be back in Texas, and our thoughts were never far from our beloved Lone Star State, for that is where our families lived. I guess home really is where the heart is.
Paul reminded us of this. While some have their thoughts and their hearts centered around earthly things, we should have our hearts focused on our beloved homeland! We should never allow worldly things to capture our attention, to captivate our minds. We should never allow ourselves to transfer our loyalties, for we are not citizens of this world. Our Father and our Brother are in heaven. That is our home.
Just as citizens of any nation have certain rights and privileges that come with citizenship, we have the rights and privileges of children of the Most High God! How sad that so many of His children have cast off their robes and crowns and have chosen to live in spiritual poverty! What a devastating tragedy, to see an heir to the kingdom of heaven live like a common peasant!
When we choose to accept Christ as our Savior, we are adopted into the kingdom of heaven, and that adoption can never be reversed! God has claimed us as His own. He longs for us. And He wants us to long for Him, to live for Him, to look forward to the day that we will finally be with Him in our hometown.
Dear Father, Thank You for making me a citizen of heaven. Help me to stay focused on heavenly things.
Amen
Oh, Jesus, come quickly.
How we long to be in your lovely presence.
We love you so,
Jlo