Citizen or Civilian?
Understand the importance of citizenship in heaven and how it shapes our actions and mindset as believers in Christ. Life has a way of sorting people into two groups. Some roll up their sleeves, show up, and carry their share of the load. Others simply watch from the sidelines. In other words, some are citizens, and some are civilians. As followers of Jesus, we hold a remarkable kind of dual citizenship. We live on earth, yet our true home is in heaven. Therefore, the question for today is a personal one: which kind of person will you be?
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Opening Worship Song
Josh Turner’s warm, country gospel voice sets the tone for today. His song is a simple, joyful testimony about the One we serve, and it reminds us that our loyalty belongs to Jesus first.
Josh Turner – I Serve A Savior (Official Audio)
Scripture Focus
Paul reminds the believers in Philippi where their true home is found:
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
— Philippians 3:20–21 (KJV)
He also tells the Ephesians that they now belong to God’s own family:
“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;”
— Ephesians 2:19 (KJV)
Finally, Paul gives young Timothy a charge that every citizen of heaven needs to hear:
“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good confession before many witnesses.”
— 1 Timothy 6:12 (KJV)
So what does it look like to live as a true citizen of heaven while we are still here on earth? Let’s take a closer look.
Life Application
Our Citizenship in Heaven Changes Everything
When Paul wrote to the Philippians, he chose a word they understood well. Philippi was a Roman colony. Its people lived far from Rome, yet they were proud to be Roman citizens.
In the King James Version, Paul’s word is translated “conversation.” However, in 1611 that word described your whole way of life, and the Greek term means citizenship. Our true home, our true loyalty, and our true King are in heaven.
Still, our citizenship in heaven does not make us idle on earth. Instead, it sends us out to represent Jesus right where He has placed us. We belong to heaven, and we serve here.
The Marks of a Faithful Citizen
Theodore Roosevelt often taught, in essence, that good citizens are willing to work and willing to fight. That idea fits the Christian life beautifully. Both of our citizenships ask the same things of us. A faithful citizen is:
- Willing to work
- Quick to offer and share
- Invested in the future
- Eager to lift up others
- Community minded
- Ready to fight when needed
Think about the people who have blessed your life most. Perhaps it was a Sunday school teacher who never missed a week. Maybe it was a neighbor who showed up with a casserole when you were sick. Those people lived like citizens.
The Quiet Drift Toward Being a Civilian
By contrast, a civilian tends to live on the sidelines. A civilian:
- Takes rather than gives
- Does not volunteer
- Consumes more than he produces
- Shrinks back from standing for a worthy cause
Honestly, any of us can drift there. We attend church but never serve, receive grace but rarely share it, enjoy freedoms that others sacrificed for, yet we hesitate to stand for anything ourselves.
Nevertheless, Jesus does not leave us on the sidelines. His grace has made us “fellowcitizens with the saints.” Because He welcomed us home, we can step back into the work with joy.
Fight the Good Fight with Hope
Paul told Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith.” That fight is not against people. Rather, it is a stand against sin, fear, and spiritual apathy.
Most importantly, we never fight alone. The battle belongs to the Lord, and our Savior has already won the victory. In fact, Paul promises that Jesus will one day change these weary bodies to be like His glorious body.
So today, ask yourself one honest question: am I living as a citizen or a civilian? Then take one simple step. Offer to help at church. Call someone who is lonely. Pray faithfully for a friend who doesn’t know Jesus.
Because our citizenship in heaven is secure in Jesus Christ, we can work gladly and fight bravely today.
A Word of Encouragement
“If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next.”
— C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
Lewis reminds us that heavenly citizenship never makes us less useful on earth. On the contrary, it makes us the most useful people around.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for making me a citizen of heaven through Your Son, Jesus Christ. I was once a stranger, but You brought me home and made me part of Your family.
Lord, forgive me for the times I have lived like a civilian. Forgive me for watching when I should have served, and for keeping quiet when I should have stood firm. Give me a willing heart to work, a generous heart to share, and a brave heart to fight the good fight of faith.
Help me lift up the people around me today. Keep my eyes fixed on You as I wait for my Savior’s return. Thank You that the battle belongs to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Closing Worship Song
Phil Wickham’s anthem is a powerful reminder that we don’t fight in our own strength. Instead, we lift our praise and trust the Lord to win the battle, just as He promised.
Phil Wickham – Battle Belongs (Official Music Video)
Keep Growing in Christ
Good morning! As you get ready for the “work” ahead and to “fight the good fight,” remember that you serve as a citizen of heaven today. Let DevotionsDoneDaily walk beside you each morning with God’s Word.
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If this devotion encouraged you, please share it with family and friends who may need a reminder that they belong to Jesus.
Sources & Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments
We thank:
- Pixabay for free, high-quality artwork.
- AZ Quotes for inspirational quotations.
- YouTube Gospel Music for timeless worship songs.
- We recommend GotQuestions.org for further Bible study.
Have a wonderful day and keep your eyes on Jesus and your spirits high.
Johnny
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” — Proverbs 23:7 (KJV)