Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – Our Citizenship Is In Heaven – Philippians 3:20-21 – Growing As Disciples
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Philippians 3:20-21 (NIV)
Look Forward
Do you trust me? Yes, I trust you. I hear you saying that now. It’s easy to say that when you are sitting in that chair. How about when the world seems out of control? Do you trust me then? Yes, I trust you then. Let’s get a little more specific and personal. When your world seems out of control and things aren’t going your way, do you trust me then? I’m getting a little uncomfortable with this line of questioning. I thought you might. Why is that? I’ve seen you when things don’t go as you hoped or planned. What do I look like to you? You look worried and frantic. It’s obvious that you are very uncomfortable. That’s true. Where is your trust in these worried and frantic moments of yours? I’m not sure. What do you mean you’re not sure? Well, in these moments trust is probably the last thing on my mind. Why is that? My focus turns to getting out of the difficulty that I’m in. All my efforts become engaged to eliminate the problem I’m facing. So the question in my mind is not, “who do I trust, but what can I do”? Doesn’t it seem obvious to you where you are placing your trust then? I guess it does. Where is it? I want to hear you say it. Alright, when I am in great difficulty and facing problems I often put my trust in myself. Good, I’m glad to hear you say that. How could you possibly be glad to hear that? I’m glad that you are not hiding this and that you are willing to confess it to me. I see.
Actually, you don’t see. What do you mean? You are looking at life incorrectly. How so? You are thinking and living as if what you see is all there is. I don’t understand. What if you had a different focus? Like what? What would change if you really began to believe that you are just a visitor here and that your real home and life is elsewhere? Like in heaven with you? Yes, you got it. If I had that perspective I would be less worried and frantic, that’s for sure. Why is that? I would know that my problems are very temporary. They would really begin to loose their grip on me. In fact, all my problems and difficulties in life might just help to remind me that this life is temporary and that one day I will live forever in heaven with you. What will happen then? I will have a glorious new body and everything will be under your control. That’s a lot to look forward to, isn’t it? Yes, it is. Let that grab your attention and be your focus as you live your life for me through whatever difficulties you face. With your help, I will.
Lord, my eyes are on you and not on the troubles I face in this life. Thank you for reminding me that this life is temporary and that I am just passing through. As I await your return, help me to live my life fully for your glory. Amen
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