CITIZENSHIP IS IN HEAVEN

Philippians 3:20
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Me and my family lived in China for three years. And for that period of time, we enjoyed the warmth and hospitality of the Chinese people as well as the cold, snowy and windy nights of winter. However, in that three years of stay, we did not become Chinese. We still converse in Tagalog and still eat, as much as possible, “menudo (pork stew)”, “nilaga (boiled in broth)” and “adobo (chicken in vinegar and soy sauce)”. Because citizenship is really based on loyalty and mindset, not location.

As we go and live through these days of our lives here on earth, we must strive to always think, act and set our minds on things above us. I know, there are people that choose to change citizenship, with the way they act and behave, but isn’t it that You have already forgiven them, Oh Lord. May they all come to their senses, and start accepting again their true citizenship.

Hope for heaven, for full communion with Christ “and all the angels and saints”, is the very motivating factor, the driving force, of Christian engagement in this world. Christian hope for the coming of God's Kingdom asks for both things from God: that his Kingdom may come in glory and that his Kingdom may begin already here on earth. And only then would they really experience the real joy of living together with the King of all nations and heavens. My passport is ready and my visa is forever – Heavennation, here I come!

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, for now, we live in this other side of heaven, knowing that sometime in the future, we would join You in that place where our loyalty should lie, where our true citizenship is rooted. Lord, give us a healthy appreciation of the beauty and wonder of this world. May we pour ourselves out, living for you. But also may we be so fueled by the reality that this is not the last worLd. This is not our true home but our destiny is eternal life with you. Through Jesus Christ our Lord and him alone.

Amen +

Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.