A Citizen of Another Place

Your passport says one thing, but Paul says another. He tells the Philippians that their ultimate identity is not their prized Roman citizenship, but something far greater. Our true commonwealth, our home, is in heaven (v. 20). Because of this, we are not aimless. We are actively waiting for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. When He returns, He will do something magnificent. He will take our lowly, humble bodies and completely refashion them to be like His own glorious, resurrected body (v. 21).

Do you ever feel like you do not quite fit in here? That is because you were made for another place. Your identity is not found in your successes or your failures. It is secured in heaven. You belong to Christ. This future reality is meant to shape your present reality. Because you know your body will one day be made glorious, you can endure its current weakness with hope. John Chrysostom saw this as a potter reshaping a vessel for a nobler use. God is not discarding you; He is remaking you. What can you entrust to Him today, knowing your glorious future is secure?

Live today based on where you will be for all eternity.

Lord Jesus, thank you that my true home is with You. Help me live today as a citizen of heaven, with my eyes fixed on the hope of Your return. Let this future promise give me strength for my present circumstances. Amen.

Philippi was a Roman colony, and its citizens had the same legal rights as people born in Rome. Paul's contrast between earthly and heavenly citizenship was especially sharp for them.