Deliberations 2016(13): Citizenship where?

August 6^th – a significant date for some of us – the date of Jamaica’s independence. As a young child I do not remember singing “God save the queen”, but I remember being taught the new anthem “Eternal Father bless our land”. And now I have the privilege of being a citizen of another country, and I also sing, “Lift up your head, to the rising sun, Bahamaland”.

Sometimes though my citizenship can be challenged. For example, as I visited Jamaica recently, and ate a meal of ackee and codfish, breadfruit, and festival, washed down with a little sorrel :) I was told that I couldn't have been born in Jamaica because I don’t eat avocadoes! But I didn’t feel bad, because every year my students tell me I can’t be Bahamian because I don’t eat conch!

But even greater than being a citizen of 2 countries here on earth, is being a citizen of heaven. We can claim that by having a personal relationship with Jesus, and accepting Him as our Savior.

What’s so special about that? The beauty of this citizenship is that it is available to everyone, regardless of race, politics, how much money you have, or the level of your academic achievement. And it comes with a guarantee of eternal life.

What does a citizen of heaven look like? 1. A citizen of heaven is yielded 100% to Christ. We don’t own anything. Instead we yield ourselves, our time, talents, business, money, family, everything to Christ. 2. A citizen of heaven spends time in the Bible – s/he knows it, loves it, and lovingly shares it with others. 3. A citizen of heaven keeps God’s commandments.

“…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)