If Your Citizenship Is In Heaven?

Once we are baptized into the death of Christ and raised to walk in the newness of life, we cease to live in the desires of the eyes, the desires of the flesh and the pride of life. Rom 6:3,4 f; 1 Jn 2:15,16  Materialism greatest error lies in its failure to recognize the Christian’s true citizenship. Materialism focuses attention on the life that now is while the teaching of Christ focuses attention on that which is to come.

Christians need to recognize the temporary nature of their residency upon earth! “For our citizenship is in heaven” (Phil. 3:20). When we look at the emphasis Christians place upon things such as houses, cars, boats, clothing, bank accounts, etc., we get the impression that they think this earth is their home forever. When we see their obvious definition of success: fame and fortune, power and beauty, we see how enamored they are of the things of this world. To this world a person without ambition is considered a failure. However, the citizens of heaven have a greater ambition than this planet, and that is to obtain eternal life.

We brought nothing into this world, and it’s certain we will carry nothing out of this world. (1 Tim 6:7) In our short time here on earth, we should not yearn for earthly treasures, but rather heavenly treasures. Instead of heaping up knowledge of this world which is foolishness with God, we should be seeking heavenly knowledge of God’s Word becoming wise unto salvation. (2 Tim 2:15 cf 3:15) Instead of exercising our bodies which profits but little, let us exercise our minds unto godliness so that we might discern between good and evil in order to obtain eternal life. (1 Tim 4:8 f; Heb 5:14)

Let us not make friends of this world who are the enemies of God, but let us rather make friends of God’s children which are co-citizens with us in heaven, for he who hates a brother or sister in Christ also hates God. (Jam 4:4 ff; Jn 13:34,35;1 Jn 5:2; 1 Jn 4:20,21) Let us not be drawn in by the cares of this world, but rather let those who have this world’s wealth help fellow saints who have need, that the love of God be seen in us. 1 Jn 3:17,18 Let is cast off hatred and racism knowing that with God there is neither Jew or Gentile, white or black, for all are the same in God’s eyes who conformed us in the image of his dear Son. (Col 3:11 f; Rom 8:9)

Let our works be not that of the flesh such as adultery, fornication and murder, but let us rather do the works of the Spirit such as love, joy, peace and longsuffering, for against such there is no law. Gal 5:19-23 Let us having learned the Word of God teach others how to become fellow saints. 2 Tim 4:2-5 Let us be ready to give a biblical answer to anyone who asks a biblical question. 1 Pet 3:15 Let us be able to contend for the faith to prevent false doctrine from being perpetuated unimpeded. Jude 3 Let us be able to prove all things by God’s Word, and set for the defense of the gospel. 1 Thess 5:21 f; Philip 1:15-18 Let us put on the whole armor of God that we might be able to defend ourselves against the trickery of the devil. (Eph 6:11-18)

When the time comes for us to physically leave this present world, let us not be sad, but rather let us be glad to be in the presence of the Lord our God. God sees our physical death as precious and blessed and this is our reason to rejoice in the Lord and to shout for joy. (Ps 116:15 ff; Rev 14:13; Philip 4:4) As the Psalmist David said, “Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” Ps 32:11 I know of no greater time to rejoice than when we exchange our cross for a crown of life to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and forever have our citizenship in heaven!