How Do We Get Citizenship in Heaven?
Renewing David’s Passport
A few months ago, our son David renewed his Philippine passport at the
embassy here in Cambodia. God's willing, we hope to be able to travel to the Philippines
next year, and as with any journey abroad, having an up-to-date passport is
crucial. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to enter our home country or enjoy the
privileges of being citizens.
This experience got me thinking about our greater citizenship—the one that
transcends borders, countries, and governments. As Christians, our true
citizenship is in heaven. While we live here on earth, navigating physical
boundaries and laws, we must never forget that our eternal home is with God.
Our passport to that eternal home isn’t a piece of paper, but faith in Jesus
Christ. It’s a spiritual reality that shapes how we live, serve, and love.
Click here 👉Identity in Christ
Spiritual vs. Physical Citizenship: How Are They Different?
As physical citizens, we adhere to the laws of our country, enjoy its
benefits, and fulfill our responsibilities. Similarly, as citizens of heaven,
we also live under a certain authority—God’s—and we’re given both rights and
responsibilities. But the nature of these two citizenships is vastly different.
- Physical Citizenship: Requires legal
documents, like passports, and is governed by laws of a specific nation.
It’s limited by geography and time.
- Spiritual Citizenship: Given by God through
our faith in Christ. It’s eternal and transcends physical borders. Our
primary allegiance is to God’s kingdom, and this shapes our values and
behavior no matter where we are.
Philippians 3:20 reminds us, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we
eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” This
verse helps ground us in the truth that while we engage with the world around
us, our true home is with God.
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What does it mean to be a citizen of heaven? Here are 10 key
characteristics, along with examples to help you understand how to live them
out in everyday life:
1. Faith in Jesus Christ
The foundation of heavenly citizenship is faith. It’s not earned by works or
birthright but given freely to those who believe in Christ’s sacrifice.
Example: Just as we need a passport to prove our
physical citizenship, our faith in Jesus is what "validates" us as
heavenly citizens. Without it, we cannot enter God’s kingdom (John 14:6).
2. Living with an Eternal Perspective
As citizens of heaven, we are called to live with eternity in mind, not just
for the here and now. This means our decisions should reflect eternal values.
Example: In Cambodia, where material success is
often a measure of worth, focus instead on storing up treasures in heaven by
loving others, serving, and sharing the gospel (Matthew 6:19-20).
3. Love for God and Neighbor
The greatest commandment is to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-39).
Our love for people reflects our heavenly citizenship because God is love.
Example: When engaging with neighbors in
Cambodia, from different faiths or backgrounds, show Christ’s love by helping,
listening, and being a light to them, especially in difficult times.
4. Obedience to God’s Commands
As citizens of heaven, we live under God's authority. Our obedience to His
Word reflects our loyalty to Him.
Example: Even when it’s challenging to follow
biblical principles in a culture that may not always align with them, commit to
living by God’s standards (John 14:15).
5. Fruit of the Spirit
Our lives should bear the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians
5:22-23). These traits distinguish us as God’s people.
Example: Demonstrate patience and kindness when
interacting with others, especially in moments of frustration or conflict, like
waiting in long queues or handling miscommunications.
6. Ambassadors for Christ
We are representatives of God’s kingdom here on earth. This means we reflect
Christ’s values, love, and truth to those around us (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Example: As a pastor’s wife, living in Cambodia,
every interaction is an opportunity to reflect God’s love and invite others to
experience His grace.
7. Forgiveness
As citizens of heaven, we are forgiven by God and are called to forgive
others as He has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32).
Example: When someone wrongs you, whether in
your family or your community, offer forgiveness instead of holding onto
resentment, reflecting Christ’s mercy.
8. Living in Unity
Citizens of heaven strive for unity in the body of Christ, regardless of
differences in culture or background. We are one in Christ (Galatians 3:28).
Example: In the diverse environment of Cambodia,
where cultures and languages differ, strive to maintain unity with fellow
believers, focusing on your shared identity in Christ.
9. Hope and Joy in Trials
As citizens of heaven, we can face trials with hope, knowing that our
ultimate home is with God and that He works all things for good (Romans 8:28).
Example: When experiencing difficult times, like
health challenges or financial stress, hold onto the hope that God is in
control, and encourage others with this truth.
10. Perseverance in Faith
Heavenly citizens endure through hardships, knowing their reward is eternal.
We are encouraged to run the race of faith with perseverance (Hebrews 12:1).
Example: Life in Cambodia can come with many challenges—whether it’s cultural differences, economic struggles, or personal losses. But as citizens of heaven, we persevere, trusting that God will lead us to victory.
5 Manageable Habits for Living as Citizens of Heaven
Living as citizens of heaven requires more than belief—it calls for action.
Here are five essential habits that can help us live out our heavenly
citizenship daily:
Additional reading 👉 Creating:"Daily Goals"
1. Daily Bible Reading and Reflection (30 minutes)
Spending time in God’s Word daily grounds us in His truth. It equips us to
live as His people and prepares us for the challenges we face.
2. Intentional Prayer (Focused and Meaningful)
Prayer is our direct communication with God. It strengthens our relationship
with Him and helps us align our hearts with His will.
3. Engaging in Acts of Service
Serving others is a tangible way to reflect Christ’s love and show that we
belong to His kingdom.
4. Spending Quality Time with Family
Your first mission field is your home. By investing in your family, you are
living out your heavenly citizenship in the most intimate way.
5. Sharing the Gospel
As ambassadors of Christ, one of our greatest responsibilities is to share
the good news of salvation with others.
Living with Purpose in Cambodia as Citizens of Heaven
Being a citizen of heaven doesn’t mean disengaging from the world around us.
On the contrary, it means living with purpose, love, and hope in the midst of
our everyday lives. Whether you’re a wife, mom, single, or part of the faith
community here in Cambodia, you are called to live out your heavenly
citizenship right where you are.
Let us commit to these daily habits, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, and
trusting that our faithful actions today will make an eternal impact. As we
prepare for our earthly journeys, like our upcoming trip to the Philippines,
let us also remember to prepare for our ultimate destination—eternity with God.
May the Lord bless us as we live for Him, both in Cambodia and as citizens
of His heavenly kingdom.
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