Citizenship

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Philippians 1:27

            What does it mean to be a citizen of a country? Citizens have certain privileges not necessarily shared by non-citizens or by those who live and are citizens of other countries. Our country promises certain freedoms that may not be found in all countries: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom to seek our own future. We also have the privileges of protection by our police and military, government services such as a postal service and national bank, etc. There may be disagreement on how well these privileges are granted, or on how often our freedoms are slighted because our government is run by human beings. Which brings us to the other side of the coin: our duties as citizens. We have the duty to cast our vote, to pray for our leaders, to obey the laws and to help one another when we can. These are the ways we can show we are worthy of being a citizen of The United States.

            The letter to the Philippians was written by Paul while he was a prisoner in Rome. Rome was the capital of and the center of the Roman Empire. He was writing to the Roman settlement of Philippi. Both Paul and his readers understood what it meant to be a citizen of Rome. They experienced both the privileges and duties of citizenship. In this letter, Paul is urging the Philippians (and us) to remember that we are also citizens of a higher kingdom: the Kingdom of God. What does it mean to be a citizen of this kingdom that is eternal and exists both in heaven and here on earth?

            As citizens, we have certain privileges. We have God’s word to lead and guide us. We also have the Holy Spirit as a constant companion and guide. He is an interpreter of God’s words and is also our protection against the enemy. We have a special communion with God that those who have not chosen Christ as their savior are not able to enjoy. We are part of the Church of Christ, the fellowship of believers here on this earth. We can rely on them to encourage us in our walk with Christ and to provide a special, sweet fellowship.

            As citizens of heaven, we have duties as well. These are what Paul is referring to when he urges us to live in a manner worthy of the gospel, worthy of being citizens of the Kingdom. We have the duty to realize that God’s communion with us isn’t just one way. We need to communicate with Him, too. Having and reading His word isn’t just a privilege, it’s a duty as well, as is obedience to the laws of God. We have a duty to love one another, encourage one another and to build each other up in Christ. As you can see, many of the duties are also privileges, and vice versa.

            How is your lifestyle? How is mine? Are they worthy of the gospel of Christ? Are we living our lives every day of the week in such a way as to honor and glorify God? Or are we taking all the privileges and enjoying the perks while neglecting our duties as citizens of the kingdom? If your answer is that there’s room for improvement, just remember that God doesn’t love you any less. He’s still pouring out His blessings and waiting for sweet communion with you. Come back to Him. Remember Whose child you are and what Kingdom has your ultimate allegiance.