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CITIZENS OF HEAVEN (PHILIPPIANS 3:12-4:1)

REFLECTION

Citizens of Heaven is the theme for our reflection. A citizen is a person who legally belongs to a country and has the rights and protection of that country. Citizenship may be by birth or acquired by law. Heaven is a place regarded in various Christianity as the abode of God and the angels and of the good people after death, often traditionally depicted as being above the sky.  We shall reflect on the fact that since we are citizens of heaven, heaven must be our goal, and we must press on to attain that goal as sojourners on earth.

Beloved in the Lord, Paul admonished the believers in Philippi to consider themselves as people who have acquired Heaven Citizenship through their salvation in Christ, and for that matter must live a purpose-driven life on earth as sojourners travelling heavenward. Paul wrote, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14) In other words, the goal of every Christian is to attain Heaven’s citizenship which he or she receives through Christ Jesus. It is for this reason Paul greatly encouraged Timothy as he was approaching his final days on earth, “…I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Dear friend in Christ Jesus, pressing on to become a citizen of heaven is a daily affair that requires total submission and dedication to our Lord Jesus Christ regardless of the challenges, hardships and persecution we are likely to endure on account of His name.

Receiving the citizenship status of heaven is through repentance, faith and regeneration in Christ Jesus, however, attaining the citizenship of heaven requires that we totally press on through a life of obedience and total submission to Christ until our last breath on earth. This what what Paul meant when he wrote, “Only let us live up to what we have already attained… For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” (Philippians 3:16,18-21). We are dual citizens. We are temporary citizens of earth but eternal citizens of either Heaven or hell. Our goal is to press on to attain the citizenship of heaven. In as as much as we need earthly things to survive on earth, we must not become obsessed with them, for earthly things are ephemeral but heavenly things are not. It is for this reason that Paul reminds us, “But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. (1 Timothy 6:6-7) As sojourners who are pressing heavenward but need the basic necessities to survive on earth, Jesus teaches us to “…seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

Again, to become a citizen of heaven is a daily affair. We must live a purpose and heaven-driven life as disciples of Christ. We must live a radically different life that is opposed to the standards of this world. As part of pressing on heavenward to attain our goal of salvation, Paul greatly admonishes us in Roman 12:1-2, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Jesus’s assurance to believers who are pressing on heavenward as a citizen of heaven is that ““Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. (John 14:1-3)

In summary, we have learnt that since we are citizens of heaven, heaven must be our goal and we must press on to attain that goal as sojourners on earth. Shalom.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, strengthen us to remain focused and resilient as sojourners who are pressing on heavenward to attain our everlasting status as citizens of heaven. Amen.