Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

— Philippians 3:20

Citizenship has its privileges. Citizens of a nation can have access to education, community services, social services, health care, and more.

Being a citizen of heaven takes us to a different level altogether. When our identity is rooted in Christ, his home becomes ours, because through him we become children of God with an eternal inheritance. Even though we still live here on the earth, we are privileged to live abundantly as part of a kingdom not crafted by human hands.

Being citizens of heaven prompts us to pursue higher goals and take on a broader perspective than mere earthly citizenship can offer. This transforms our priorities, redirects our ambitions, and empowers us to endure.

If you have seen the launching of a hot-air balloon, you understand the struggle. The more the balloon fills with heated air, the greater the struggle to keep the basket earth-bound. The cords holding it to the ground become taut and strained. And when they are released, the balloon majestically ascends toward the heavens. Similarly in some ways, the more we are filled with God’s Spirit, the stronger our vision for life in God’s eternal kingdom becomes.

Focusing on these things moves us to live in a way that not only longs for heaven but also seeks to bring a taste of heaven to earth.

Heavenly Father, as we navigate the challenges of this world, may we always put you first in our lives. Help us to anchor our hope in full life with you forever. Amen.