Resurrection Meditation 5: Citizenship

SCRIPTURE: For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Phil. 3:18-21 ESV

THOUGHT: There should be a stark contrast between the Christ-follower and the follower of culture and the world. They have different means and different ends. They have different passports and travel plans. They serve a different God. They find glory in very different ways. Their ultimate citizenship and loyalty are separated by too great a distance to span.

Paul cried over the people he knew who were walking around oblivious to the reality that they were functional enemies of the cross and I wonder if we do the same?

For us who believe, citizenship is a big deal. It colors our future, and it colors life here and now. Paul told the Romans, “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies (Romans 8:11 ESV).” Hallelujah!

That is a promise for today – life for our mortal bodies on this side of heaven, and I’m so grateful for that. But he speaks to the Philippians of a final redemption, where Jesus will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

That’s power in the right hands, and the kingdom he’s building is a kingdom I want to live in so much that I’ll be gladly working for that now-old-fashioned grade: an A+ in citizenship.

PRAYER: Oh God, I delight in the world you’ve created, but I also delight in knowing that I’m a citizen of a more beautiful and perfect country.