BIBLE PASSAGE:
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly
await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
(Philippians 3:20)
MEDITATION:
Have you ever been to a foreign country? If you have, and you didn’t
know the native language, then you probably felt out of place. Seeing
the sights may have been enjoyable, but you spoke a different language
than the folks there, so you couldn’t really interact with them like you
would talk with someone from your own country.
That’s the same feeling we should have whenever we give our lives to
the Lord. At that moment, we suddenly become aliens of this earthly
world, because our citizenship is now in another place (actually it is
in another world).
We have developed a different language than those who are
‘of this world’. There are still some common areas where our
conversations intersect, but when they want to discuss the
pleasures of sin, we would rather talk about the joy of our
relationship with the Lord.
Even though we have become foreigners, we have concerns about
those who are unsaved; we want them to become citizens of our
world. Consequently, we cannot isolate ourselves from others, but
we do intentionally separate ourselves from certain dialogues and
activities which are in opposition to our new citizenship.
As followers of Christ, we have a new focus. As we continue to live
our lives on earth, we can be exposed to many disappointments,
problems, heartaches and such, but through them all, we can look
forward with anticipation to the return of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Until He returns, we are under orders from the King of kings to
proclaim His message through our lifestyle, attitudes, habits, and
words.
ACTION:
Questions to consider:
– Where is my citizenship?
– Do I feel like a foreigner in this world, or do I find that the ways
of the world are influencing me more than the ways of the Lord?
– How concerned am I about those who don’t have a relationship
with the Lord and are not citizens of heaven?
– Do I understand that since my citizenship is in heaven, I should
have the same thoughts as the Lord about those who are unsaved?
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as
some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient
with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but
everyone to come to repentance.
(2 Peter 3:9)
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise of the return
of Jesus. When things of this world start to weigh me down,
remind me of Your promise and rekindle my anticipation of
His return. You know the struggles that I have, and how I
depend on You to help me through them. I know that You
can encourage me and lift my spirits when I have problems.
As I live in the hope of the return of Jesus, give me the love
and wisdom to reach out to those around me and create a
desire in me to live a life that will point others toward Jesus.”
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