Rights Of Citizenship

This past week my thoughts have often lingered upon some very dear friends; a pastor and his wife. A shock to all who knew him, this pastor died last week from a massive heart attack. Naturally, tears have come to his family, church family, other relatives, and friends, but what has stayed with me this week, is the fact that peace has come, too.

The world gives a type of peace. We know that because Jesus once said to His disciples that He would give them peace, but not like the world’s peace. The world’s peace is based on circumstance. The peace of Jesus is based on relationship with Him. When we choose Jesus and all He has to offer, then we become citizens of heaven.

When we are citizen of a particular country, we are granted certain rights and privileges. It’s the same when we become citizens of heaven. Heavenly citizenship grants us the right to access God’s own peace — He will put that peace right into our hearts. When we are citizens of heaven, we have access to God’s own wisdom to guide us through all our days on earth. When we are citizens of heaven, all our needs are provided — all the comfort needed, the strength, courage, joy, and peace that never depends on circumstances.

It’s a wonderful thing that God’s peace never depends on anything but Himself. Circumstances are changing and passing. God never changes and He never leaves us. It stands to reason, then, that His peace is unchanging and steadfast, too.

Too often, I see that many Christians forget they are citizens of heaven. Therefore, they flounder around in their own strength when God’s perfect strength is available for the asking. They waste precious hours and even days trying to come up with a plan to get them out of their troubles, when God’s guidance is ready to lead them. All they have to do is seek for it and they will find it.

Whatever you’re going through this week and in the days and months and years to come; please don’t live merely like a citizen of the world. Think higher! Look up! As the Apostle Paul encouraged us in Philippians 1:27, “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.” Check your behavior in all your situations, and ask yourselves if you’re living like a citizen of the world, or are you living like a citizen of heaven, which is your spiritual birthright.