You probably live in a country and have your citizenship in that country. Or you may have moved to another country, but you're still a citizen of the original country. But do you know that as Christians, we have two citizenships? We're nationals of one earthly country, but we're also nationals of heaven. Since I live in Norway and Sweden is my closest neighboring country, let me ask you a question about Norway and Sweden. What are the differences between Norway and Sweden? I don't know what you would answer, but my answer is:
A person from Sweden doesn't have to say more than one or two words, and I can hear they are not Norwegians, but Swedes. If I visit a Swedish family on Christmas Eve, I will see that they have a totally different menu than most people in Norway.
You get the point. There ARE differences between being a citizen of Norway and being a citizen of Sweden.
As a Christian, I have two citizenships; one Norwegian and one heavenly. And as a national of heaven, I talk differently, I think differently and I do things differently than one who is not a citizen of heaven. According to heaven's law, which is the Bible, I do not stir up strife: "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (Romans 14:19), I edify and build people up: "Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up (Romans 15:2), I speak "heaven's" language: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Ephesians 4:29), I do not retaliate: "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23)
Since Jesus is my "big brother" and my great example, I try to imitate Him in the way I live. When I open my mouth, people around me should hear that I belong to heaven. My actions should show my real and true citizenship: heaven.
My prayer for you and me today, is that we may show our true colors when it comes to our citizenship. If you're a Christian, talk like one and act like one! Let everyone around you hear and see where you really belong.
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace"(Ephesians 4:2-3).
That living a life that reflects your heavenly citizenship!
- language (even though we understand each other, there are distinct differences)
- food
- customs
- traditions
- certain national holidays
- laws and regulations
A person from Sweden doesn't have to say more than one or two words, and I can hear they are not Norwegians, but Swedes. If I visit a Swedish family on Christmas Eve, I will see that they have a totally different menu than most people in Norway.
You get the point. There ARE differences between being a citizen of Norway and being a citizen of Sweden.
As a Christian, I have two citizenships; one Norwegian and one heavenly. And as a national of heaven, I talk differently, I think differently and I do things differently than one who is not a citizen of heaven. According to heaven's law, which is the Bible, I do not stir up strife: "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (Romans 14:19), I edify and build people up: "Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up (Romans 15:2), I speak "heaven's" language: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Ephesians 4:29), I do not retaliate: "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23)
Since Jesus is my "big brother" and my great example, I try to imitate Him in the way I live. When I open my mouth, people around me should hear that I belong to heaven. My actions should show my real and true citizenship: heaven.
My prayer for you and me today, is that we may show our true colors when it comes to our citizenship. If you're a Christian, talk like one and act like one! Let everyone around you hear and see where you really belong.
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace"(Ephesians 4:2-3).
That living a life that reflects your heavenly citizenship!
