"Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ." Philippians 1:27
"Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too." Philippians 2:1+2
Wow, we are citizens of heaven! That blows my mind. That makes me let go of low self-esteem and ideas of living life without purpose.
Wow, I belong to God’s people! That can dispel the loneliness.
All of us feel the need to belong. All of us feel the need to know that somebody cares about us. We need to know that if we face a crisis, there will be somebody willing to help us through. We all want to receive the help and support of others. But we too should be willing to give help and support.
Paul encourages the church in Phillipi to agree wholeheartedly, to love one another and to work together. We are part of the great family of God. Loving God means loving others.
Why not contact someone who has been missing from church a few weeks to see if they are ok? Offer to pray with others for whatever need they might have. Look around at the church - can you see an opportunity for the love of God in your life to overflow into the lives of those around you?
Today, remember your identity in Him and the family that you belong to. What a great privilege and responsibility.
We are citizens of heaven. We belong to the family of God!