I am blessed and proud to be a citizen of the United States of America. I still get chills when I hear our national anthem. I was raised in a day when we began our school days with a prayer—to God—and the Pledge of Allegiance. We would sing, “This Land Is Your Land,” and, “America the Beautiful.” I am transported back to Mrs Farley’s third grade class every time I hear those two songs. I feel patriotism and I like to think that I am a good citizen of this great country, of this world.
The thing is that I really am just passing through here, visiting. The scenery is beautiful. There are interesting places to experience and there are some wonderful people to spend time with. But my heart is seeking my eternal home that comes after this journey is finished. On that day when I make it home, I hope that my steps here will have made my Lord proud.
Paul urged believers in Philippians 3:17-21 to be followers and to watch him as an example of how to walk and also how to be an example to others, a good heavenly citizen.
Paul then emotionally, with tears, reminded them that he had previously told them about those who had voiced support for Christ, but they were actually enemies of the cross of Christ. He told them that the end of these people would be destruction because their God was the god of this world and their earthly pleasures.
He reminded them that their conversation was in Heaven where they look toward the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is He Who will change our mortal bodies into glorious Heavenly bodies like His, as He is working within us, helping us to reflect Him, to make all things how they should be.
What is the challenge of this passage for Christ followers? It could be to live our earthly lives to reflect our heavenly citizenship, to make our heavenly Father proud.
How can this passage be applied to our lives? We could be more intentional about being a citizen of Heaven. Stay in the Word, our roadmap for navigating this earthly journey.
My faith is strengthened by knowing that Christ is continually working on me to conform me to my heavenly home.
My Lord, I thank You and I praise You that You have allowed me to take this earthly journey through Your amazing creation. Help me to be a good representative of my heavenly home. Be with those that are struggling on their journey right now. Give them comfort and peace. Forgive us when we fail You. Please come, heal out land and draw us back to You.
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“17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 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 mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:b21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” Philippians 3:17-21 (KJV)
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I feel that since God has given me the gift of this platform, I must always tell you about my Jesus.
What is your relationship to the all-knowing God of the universe? Do you know Jesus? Do you know the peace that can come only from an intimate relationship with Him? You can know Him. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, born into human flesh, sinless, crucified and giving His life freely, buried, arisen on the third day, will come into your life and change the outcome of your eternity. You just have to be willing to believe and accept His truth.
In addition, here is an excellent page that can give you additional information on peace with God: PeaceWithGod.net.
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Restricted Vision, Unburdened Sight 