Monday, May 22, 2017

Dual Citizenship

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“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it, we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
(Philippians 3:20, ESV)

            Several years ago, the mother of a friend of mine explained to a group of us that, at one time, she and her husband had dual membership in two local churches.

            The church where they raised their family was the one I knew them from. That congregation helped plant a church in the northeast part of our town. This couple and their eldest daughter and son-in-law helped establish the church plant.

            The apostle Paul states that our citizenship is in heaven. What does this mean to us who believe in Jesus Christ? Simply stated, we have citizenship in heaven as well as our native or adopted countries. As citizens of our earthly country, we find ourselves concerned about its state of affairs.

            Since we asked Jesus into our hearts, our desire has been to be used to enlarge His kingdom. We are not to be as concerned about our earthly home as we await our admittance to our heavenly home.

            We assist Jesus in building His kingdom by praying for those around us, reading and studying His Word, choosing to allow God to guide us through our days (especially, the difficult ones.) Sometimes we have to let Him choose our words and our behavior. When we are the better person in an issue, people in the world notice our behavior and wonder what causes us to stay controlled. We may or may not do any more than plant the seed. “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.”(1 Corinthians 3:6, ESV)

            When we donate to a mission projects, para-church organizations, or mission trips, we aid in helping spread God’s grace to others. As we grow in the Lord, we learn what community is all about. We are all God’s children, we confer with those who work in the field.

            Having dual citizenship for a Christian makes one realize that he or she has the responsibility to live for the Lord at all times. As we grow closer to the Lord, we learn that we are to emulate Jesus Christ each day He gives us.

            Is there something we can be more faithful about in living for Him here as we await our time to enter Heaven?

4 comments:

  1. Living for Jesus... a Life that is true...Learning to trust Him in all that I do...(words to a an old hymn...)There can be no better way to live...and I'm so thankful for my citizenship in heaven that has been secured by Jesus Christ while I am still living here below. Praise God!

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    1. Pam: I love that old hymn. Yes, praise God for deeming his children worthy to spend eternity with Him. Peace and blessings to you and yours.

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  2. I remember that hymn Pam mentioned! I learned it in church growing up. Dual citizenship - good things to ponder, thank you. Seeking His will for the remainder of my days here on earth. Blessings to you, Cecelia!

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    Replies
    1. Karen: Thank you for your warm comment. I pray that God will guide you through your journey as you seek His will.

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