CITIZENS OF HEAVEN

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself." (Philippians 3:20-21, NASB)

Devotion 14 of 24

HERE, LIKE THERE

What is the aim of the children of God? How is they to live? Today, we have been inundated with religious marketeers who say they have the answer. Imagined objectives range from living successfully and happily, to having a solid family or a stable government. The legalist perceives the aim as living and worshiping in a precise and structured manner, as outlined by the Bible. The institutional devotee see the aim as building a large and successful religious organization.

Viewing this from the perspective of our subject, the answer should be apparent. Our goal involves living on earth in a heavenly manner--to live project heavenly life to the glory of God, and as a light unto men. Our Lord taught us to pray, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" (Matt 6:10). The fact that Jesus taught us to pray in this manner reveals the priority of the request.

The heavenly citizen is not to blend in with the world. Rather, he displays the manner of the kingdom which he represents. Our citizenship in this world, however notable it may appear, is secondary and subordinate to our identity with heaven. Becoming all things to all men (1 Cor 9:19-23) does not require us to obscure our homeland by conducting ourselves as primarily of this world. In fact, to veil our heavenly identity constitutes a reversion to the flesh.

We become all things to all men by bringing the light close to them, exposing them to heavenly manners in the context of religious persuasion. Paul did not become a fornicator to reach fornicators, or a liar to reach liars. Rather, his word challenged men to live in a manner that reflected the nature of the New Covenant. Any other manner of life is simply unacceptable. To the Jews, he became a Jew, observing customs he was under no obligation to observe. The objective was to save the people, not placate them! He was a citizen of heaven, and desired that others also enjoy the heavenly commonwealth. He was not driven by institutional fervor, but heavenly mindedness!

The "fruit of the Spirit" (Gal 5:22-23) is nothing less than evidence of heavenly citizenship. This is the glorious outcome of Divine association. "Fruit" is not the objective of life in the Spirit, but the RESULT of it--and there is a vast difference between these two views. I have often heard the "fruit of the Spirit" preached as the obligation of the church member. Scripture affirms this to be the evidence of life, not the obligation of the spiritually alive!

The people of God are actually a colony of heaven--an outpost, so to speak, upon the earth. Their priorities, loves, hates, and desires, all reflect the heavenly manner. It is all wrapped up in this poignant word. "Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is, so are we in this world" (1 John 4:17).

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You through Jesus for raising me in Him to sit with Him in heavenly realms. I find this life satisfying, and praise Your name for it.

-- Tomorrow: A CURRENT REWARD IN HEAVEN --