Citizens Of Heaven
Philippians 1:27
Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.
The way you behave as a foreigner, or on vacation, is different from how you behave in your own living room.
When we travel, we maintain a loyalty to the land from which we belong. We recognize that the wars, political disagreements, and social issues of the land we are visiting are not necessarily our own, while the concerns of our homeland still fall under our responsibility, even if we are not in physical proximity to them.
If we are to carry out the charge of being in this world—yet not of it— we must recognize the cultural differences we inhabit and learn how to navigate them, so that we do not confuse assignment with citizenship.
Citizens Of The World
In this world, the individual is king. Each person is encouraged to “do more of what makes them happy.” They are told to expend their time and energy in order to obtain the products, experiences, and status symbols that will elevate them above the other inhabitants. The individual is measured by how much they have, what they have done, and where they have gone.
Dealing with one and another becomes a means to an end. It seems that someone is constantly in the way, whether that be on the road as we try to get to work or in our business dealings as we try to obtain more money. Viewing ourselves as the main character, we expect the other, less important people to clear the path so that we can lay hold of what we feel we deserve.
Even within our own families, we see this attitude, wherein each individual expects to be heard and understood but is unwilling to extend the same grace to the others around them. This attitude has reached a head in a time when over a quarter of Americans are estranged from a family member. Choosing to sever ties and isolate ourselves to “protect our peace” has become the norm.
We are constantly told that this world is on the verge of collapse as sides form, not being determined by blood, but by a willingness to accept viewpoints without challenge.
This is the natural fruit of a kingdom where the self reigns, and it is best described in 2 Timothy 3:1-4, which says, “the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.”
Jesus did not come to reform the world’s system. In fact, He said, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’”
Jesus came to reveal the distinction between those who are of this world and those who are not.
Citizens Of Heaven
Jesus described, through the Sermon On The Mount, the differences in kingdom culture.
He said:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted because of righteousness.”
In His world, Christ is king. Each person is encouraged to “do more of what makes Him happy.” They are told to expend their time and energy to “obtain the fruit of salvation—the righteous character produced in their lives by Jesus Christ—bringing much glory and praise to God.” The individual is measured by how much they love, not how much they have.
Dealing with one and another becomes an end in itself. It seems that someone is constantly in need, whether that be on the road as we try to get to work or in our business dealings. “Viewing themselves in lowliness of mind, each esteeming others as better than himself, each man looking not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others, having the same attitude that Christ Jesus had,” who:
“Being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
Further, radical individualism is not a concept in this land!
”In Jesus, the entire body is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”
In this body, “the eye can never say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you.’ The head can’t say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you.’ In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.”
We see, throughout the ages, that this body continues to grow as individuals die to themselves and pick up their cross. Its membership is determined by blood—by the blood of Christ, which dissolves the bonds of faction so that there is no longer male nor female, Jew nor Gentile, but all become one in Christ Jesus. Each individual challenges the other, not out of vain conceit but in order to edify and uplift the other, sharpening one another just as iron sharpens iron.
The state of Heaven and its citizens is best described in Titus 2:11-12: “For the grace of God has appeared… training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives.”
And, while the citizens of Heaven may receive scoffing from the world, theirs is the only position that can endure in light of the existence of a living God.
”For those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
This same kingdom that offers refuge to those who submit to its King stands in opposition to all who refuse His rule.
Conclusion
“The Citizens of Heaven are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. They will be condemned at the time of judgment. Sinners will have no place among the godly. For the LORD watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.”
So…
”Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the LORD and against his anointed one.
“Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from slavery to God.” But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them. Then in anger he rebukes them, terrifying them with his fierce fury.
For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.” The king proclaims the LORD’s decree: “The LORD said to me, ‘You are my son. Today I have become your Father. Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the whole earth as your possession. You will break them with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots.’”
Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.”