Citizenship. Philippians 3:20. “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ:” Citizens of heaven are meant to be different from those described in the previous verses. Even though we live in this world, we are foreigners in it, yet we are involved in seeking to bless those who are of “the earth, earthy.” Earthly citizenship, similar to being a Roman citizen for Paul, is being compared in this passage to heavenly citizenship. The government and its activities are different.
The commitments we make here serve a higher purpose and have a lasting impact beyond just making a brief promise to a nation. Believers in Christ are instructed to obey those in authority because they are “ordained of God.” Nevertheless, there is no indication that Christians should seek worldly power or control here. Our role is to be in submission, not in authority. Our Lord, the ultimate authority, is in heaven, but when He returns to reign in righteousness over all nations, every person in heaven and on earth will acknowledge Him as “LORD.”
The eager desire of heavenly citizens is not to focus our lives and hopes on earthly things, but on our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. There is an expectation in our hearts as we wait for Christ to return. That will be when our earth-bound bodies are free from all that is associated with earthly living, like suffering, death, sorrow, decay, and the attraction to sin.
Once, this world was the limit of all my hopes and dreams, but because of the Gospel message, I learned that isn’t what truly matters. Beneath all the natural beauty of creation lies the pollution from sinful mankind, leaving stains and clear evidence of sin with its greedy consequences. Until God acts in the judgment of nations, it won’t be what He originally intended. When, by His grace, He saved my soul and transformed me into a new creation, I realized I belong to heaven—I'm a citizen of a different country—and I will one day see and live in that kingdom. The new birth made me a citizen of God's kingdom of love. Though I am here on earth, I am a true citizen, traveling through like a pilgrim on his journey home, but my true home is in heaven above.
That is why I don’t really fit in with all the “goings on” of the world. The best efforts of man are temporary and will fail even by the world’s standards. Almost everything humans do is motivated by self-interest. Even the religions of this earth are not primarily meant to show God's mercy, grace, love, and glory. The music may be very beautiful and stirring, but its goal is to entertain those attending “church.” If it weren’t loud and modern, most people wouldn’t even come in. The lyrics are often light and trivial, and congregations just sit and listen without participating or praising the Lord themselves. Most religious systems are set up so people can get a kind of vicarious satisfaction by watching and listening to others. Occasionally, someone there, when hearing Christ’s name, will shed a tear.
For most people, business is about material gain, but for citizens of heaven, their aim is to store up treasure there so that God's glory is revealed. Their life's work is focused on reaching people with the Gospel and advancing God's kingdom. They long for the good news of salvation by grace to be shared worldwide. What brings joy to heavenly citizens are things that honor the Lord Jesus Christ. Believers participate in the Lord’s Supper weekly, not monthly or just once or twice a year. The joy of worship comes from within and is visible outwardly. The blessedness of life in Christ is consistent; He doesn’t need to make loud noise or have dramatic experiences to show He is truly a Christian.
On the day a person becomes a citizen of heaven, the Holy Spirit comes and dwells within them for life. The citizen of heaven finds a meaningful life through guidance given by Him as He reveals more of Christ, provides understanding of the scriptures, guides us into all truth, and teaches us about future events. The Lord Jesus Christ is our Savior, and we are waiting for Him to come from heaven at any time to “rapture” us to Himself. While here in this foreign land, we wait for Him to fulfill the promise He has given.