For our Citizenship is in Heaven - Our Mind and Walk

Earlier in the year, I presented a congregational theme: living daily as citizens of heaven. Paul articulated this in his letter to the church in Philippi, a community that, more than others, understood the privileges of Roman citizenship. Paul elevates the 'citizenship that is in heaven' and contrasts that with an earthly mindset and walk. Let's delve into the full context of this passage and uncover a strategy to develop the mind and walk that reflects having citizenship in heaven.

14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. 17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame--who set their mind on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (Phil. 2:14-20, NKJV)

Upon closer examination, we find that Paul offers a clear strategy to establish a daily 'citizenship in heaven' mindset and walk. This strategy begins with a sharp vision and priority of the goal for the prize of the upward call or invitation from God in Christ.    This was emphasized in Jesus's teachings to 'seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness first' and His parables about the Kingdom of God.  Do we envision the Kingdom of God and our path to it?  The faith chapter of Hebrews 11 illustrates Abraham's steadfast vision of a city with foundations, built by God.   In maintaining a clear focus on the upward call, let's remember Jesus's teaching to pray, "Thy Kingdom Come," which expresses a fervent desire for God's Kingdom. As we set our minds to be spiritually elevated to the goal of the prize of the upward call our daily walk will be oriented as citizens in heaven.

It's essential to grasp the implications of not upholding a 'citizenship in heaven' mindset.  As Paul points out, many walk with a mindset fixated on earthly things, with their 'god being their belly.' This is akin to merely existing to satisfy one's physical needs until the next hunger pang strikes. The Apostle John further elaborates on this as being driven to pursue the lusts of the eyes, flesh, and pride of life.  (1 John 2:16).  This echoes the story of Esau, who lost sight of the value of his birthright and traded it away for some soup.  Paul urges us to be mature and strive towards the goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

The message from Paul is to focus on the goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ by keeping the Kingdom of God and God's righteousness as a top priority. Keep the vision of that invitation alive in our minds and let it direct our daily walk.  Paul urges us to follow his pattern of pressing toward that vision!

Each Sabbath is a day of rest from our everyday responsibilities and an opportunity for spiritual renewal, helping to keep our minds focused on the Kingdom of God. Let's pray for one another, that our Sabbaths are spiritually rejuvenating and filled with fellowship with God, our families, and the body of Christ.

- William M. Bradford - Beloit, Chicago, Northwest Indiana