"But our citizenship is in heaven . And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."
-Philippians 3:20 (NIV)
Preface: It is best if you read or have Philippians 3 open (here is a link http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+3&version=NIV)
Paul followed the letter of the law to the best of human capacity, and earned honor among those who knew the law (the Pharisees). Paul had established himself in a nice niche. He had benefits and job security so to speak. Then Paul encountered Christ. Paul saw the reality of resurrection and everything changed. The earthly honor Paul had is now counted loss. Only the righteousness of Christ given to Paul through faith by grace is worth pursuing. Paul strives for this above all things. All else is loss.
The beauty of Paul's writing to the Philippians is found when he invites them to join others in patterning their lives after Christ's Gospel. Discipleship is a part of the Christian life. By human nature we learn best from one another. For me all of this writing is key to understanding Philippians 3:20.
Paul writes of enemies to the cross with tears in his eyes (I believe he physically had tears in eyes when he wrote v.18 and should be noted in your reading). They are concerned with the things of the earth. BUT ours is a citizenship is in heaven! Brothers and Sisters our πολιτευμα (politeuma) our government, institution, our citizenship is in heaven! We are aliens in waiting here. Our hope is in heaven. Our savior is in heaven. And heaven is coming here. Our wait is never in vain. God is faithful.
On the eve of July 4th I ask that we all take a step back. Let us remember to praise God and his glory first. I am not asking you to rescind your citizenship to your earthly nation. Even Paul owned up to being a Roman. Rather I ask that we claim our Christianity before anything else. I wish to digress. To you who despise the United States that is fine. I need to say that because I become very frustrated with the polarization of this nation. I am frustrated with earthly things though but my savior is in heaven. I do not need political commentary telling me how things are or ought to be. I do not need your cutting comments about a culture I am a small part of. I do love the United States. I truly do. I love the open farm fields near my grandma's home. I love the Italian cooking I can find here in Boston. I do love the variety of people I can talk to in this country. The stories of the immigrant from Moldova, the blind wood worker, and the 25 year pastor are all a part of the America I love. Sure I have my political hang-ups with this nation, but I do not put my hope in this nation for that reason. Tell me if I am wrong but God never told us to despise the nations. We are allowed patriotism in moderation. I place my hope and aim in heaven knowing that my and your savior is there and not in the next bill proposed in Congress. I am an alien in waiting who will experience no victory until Christ's victory is complete.
may we be patient enough
may we place our hope in heaven.
may we love
May you be blessed.
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