Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven

"Forour conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, theLord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashionedlike unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able evento subdue all things unto himself." What a contrast to verse 19! TherePaul described those whose minds are fixed on earthly things. But in verse 20he says, "Our conversation is in heaven." Theword "conversation" here does not refer to our speech. Itmeans our citizenship or our commonwealth—where we really belong. ThePhilippian believers immediately understood this illustration. Philippi was aRoman colony. Although it was located hundreds of miles from Rome, its citizensenjoyed all the rights and privileges of Roman citizenship. They lived inMacedonia, but they belonged to Rome. They dressed like Romans, followed Romanlaws, and were proud to be Roman citizens. Paul says that is exactly howChristians should live. We live on earth, but we belong to heaven. This worldis not our home.  Petercalls us "strangers and pilgrims" in this world. We are simplypassing through. Our names have been written in heaven. Our King is in heaven. Ourtreasure is in heaven. And one day, we are going to heaven.Thatis why our values should be different. Our priorities should be different. Ourconduct should be different. As citizens of heaven, we should represent theKing of heaven here on earth.  Paulgoes on to say that from heaven "we look for the Saviour, the LordJesus Christ." The word "look" means to wait eagerlywith expectation. The early Christians lived every day believing that JesusChrist could return at any moment. Oh, my friend, this same hope should fillour hearts today. Titus 2:13 calls it, "Looking for that blessed hope,and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."The return of Christ is not merely a doctrine to debate. It is a promise toencourage us, comfort us, and motivate us to holy living. John also wrote in 1John 3:2-3: "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yetappear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall belike him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope inhim purified himself, even as he is pure." Jesus Himself said, "If I go away, I will come again."(John 14:3).  ThenPaul goes on to tell us that Christ, "shall change our vile body, thatit may be fashioned like unto his glorious body." The word "vile"here does not mean sinful. It refers to our lowly, humble, earthly body. Thisbody grows tired. It grows old. It becomes weak. It experiences sickness, pain,and sorrow. One day, unless the Lord returns first, it will die. But when JesusChrist returns, He will transform these mortal bodies into glorified bodieslike His own resurrection body. No more sickness. No more pain. No moreweakness. No more death. No more tears. What a glorious hope we have! We willbe like Jesus. Howwill He accomplish this? Paul says, "According to the working wherebyhe is able even to subdue all things unto himself." Now listen—this ispowerful. The same Lord who spoke the universe into existence...Thesame Lord who calmed the storm... The same Lord who conquered death and walkedout of the tomb... The same Lord who reigns over every king and everykingdom... has all power to complete His work in us. My friend, nothing is toohard for Him. Aswe conclude Philippians chapter 3, remember the great contrasts Paul has givenus. Do not put your confidence in the flesh—put your confidence in Christ. Donot look backward—press forward. Do not follow worldly examples—follow thosewho follow Christ. Do not set your mind on earthly things—remember that yourconversation, your citizenship, is in heaven. And do not lose hope. Jesus iscoming again. May we live today as faithful citizens of heaven while we eagerlywait for our Lord Jesus Christ to return. He could come at any moment.