I’m currently going through the book of Philippians. The Apostle Paul has been warning us about the lifestyle of half-hearted believers. Now he talks about the glory of a committed life.
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Philippians 3:20-21 NIV
Paul starts by talking about our true citizenship. We’re citizens of heaven. This statement, especially in the original Greek, is critical for understanding our place in this present world system.
If you were to look at the meanings of each word separately, you would get a rich view. The apostle says that our citizenship is in quiet submission under an eternal perspective. That’s a mouthful!
First of all, I want to talk about our citizenship. If we could understand this, it would change everything. The Greek word Paul uses for citizenship, is the word from which we get our English word, politics. That should speak volumes in this generation. As a believer, my political affiliation is not of this world.
I’m not Republican, Democrat, or any other label. I’m tied in with the politics of Heaven. I have no business debating over which worldly party is the best. There will never be a vote that can change the hearts of people.
Yes, I participate in our government. I vote in each election. But, I do so knowing that my vote is not enough to bring the changes that we need. It’s more important that we participate with intercessory prayer and a living testimony to the Lord Jesus Christ.
We need a full on move of God to sweep through our nation. That will only happen as God’s people see themselves as working outside the world system.
This comes as we realize our true citizenship. Paul uses the word, sky. Our citizenship is upward. We should have an eternal perspective on things.
Most of the worldly political battles are simply dealing with temporary issues. Finance, healthcare, infrastructure and the like are important. But the real issue is the spiritual health of the nation and its people.
That’s why our hope is in Christ. I’m not looking for a political party to save our nation. It’s the power of Jesus Christ that can bring everything under His control. He is the only Savior of our society.
When I put my hope in a man-made system, then I’m setting myself up for disappointment. Humanity will never be the salvation of humanity. I don’t care how wonderful their promises are. Christ is the only One who can bring lasting change.
So, we work for His kingdom. Our goal should not be to further an earthly political party. We want to see God’s kingdom advancing.
That means that we spend quality time with the Holy Spirit. We need to find the heavenly agenda. Then, in obedience to God, we move forward and see the effect that only God can bring about.
Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!
Philippians 4:1 NIV
These are the attitudes needed in the uncertain days ahead of us. The only way we can stand firm is if we take on an eternal perspective. If I’m always looking at the things happening around me, it will produce fear, anxiety, and worry.
That’s not my portion. As a child of God, I’m a part of a different kingdom than what I see around me. I’m tied into a different system that makes me exempt from the fear and uncertainty around me. I know how it all will end. Jesus Christ wins. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
As I submit myself to His will and His ways, I’ll see the blessing of being a citizen of the eternal kingdom of God.
Question: How do you see the kingdom of God at work in your life?
© 2023 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 