Where Is Your Citizenship?

We are blessed to live in one of the greatest countries in the history of mankind. It is no coincidence that many strive to live in America, and even more sought after is citizenship. What is a citizen? It is defined as “a native or naturalized member of a state or nation who owes allegiance to its government and is entitled to its protection.”

Paul enjoyed the benefits of Roman citizenship, and on one occasion in Acts 22, even relied on its benefits when he was unlawfully bound and nearly scourged. Even the military commander, who bought his own citizenship, was afraid to learn of Paul’s born citizenship. Roman citizenship could be argued to be as highly sought after in Paul’s day as American citizenship is in the modern day.

But as valuable and useful as Paul’s Roman citizenship was to him, we also learn from Paul that he, and you and I, have a much more valuable citizenship. Philippians 3:17-4:1 says:

"17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. 4 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved."

As blessed as we are in America, that should not be our sole identity, as Christians. We are citizens of an even greater place, greater than the Roman Empire, and yes, even greater than America. I’ll leave you with these words from the book of Revelation 21:1-4:

"Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

-Matt Weaver

#MaysvilleMessenger