Good Morning,
All the conversation about "Citizenship" today in our country can make one weary. BUT, did you know that your citizenship is EXTREMELY important in the eyes of God?
Honestly...the truth about where you call home makes a differrence in your life.
We continue our reflections on the letter of Philippians written by a man named Paul. The goal in his life was to know God better. To have a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ based on faith. He desired to live in HIS TRUTH.
"Truth" is an interesting word. All of us have a degree of Truth in us. All of us know a certain level of Truth. Paul said "We should live up to whatever Truth we possess." (3:16b).
Why is it that many people "Know the Truth" but, ignore it's application? We know what is Right...the Truth of what is Right...but live opposite of it? In fact, many, as Paul says, "Live as enemies of the cross of Christ." (3:18b).
The results? 18 "For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame. They are focused on earthly things..."
Those who mishandle the "Truth"...1. "Are enemies of the cross...2. Their end is destruction...3. Their god is their belly...4. They are focused on EARTHLY things..."
Their citizenship is EARTH!
We all have a past. We all have made decisions that we wish we could have a do-over. Some things in our past reflect mishandling the Truth. But...it's the PAST. You don't have to live there an longer. Paul said, "Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, 14 I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore, all who are mature should think this way." (3:13-15).
Your Faith in God will change your past. Don't look back over your shoulder...Go Forward...Press on...The greek word for "reaching forward" means to strain or sweat, making an effort to forget the past and go to what God has for you in the future.
This is handling the "Truth" correctly. WHY?
Now for the big "Because..." Because our citizenship is in HEAVEN...NOT...ON EARTH!!!
He says:
20" but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to subject everything to Himself."
This is the TRUTH. Stand firm in it. Where is YOUR citizenship? Where do YOU call home? Make it Heaven. Let it show...so people will know!
God Bless!
Don Betts
DBEA/campus320