“but our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious body, by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself.”
Philippians 3:20-21 CSB

I am an American citizen born and raised. I have enjoyed all the privileges afforded me under The Constitution of the United States of America. I have had no concern for my freedom or my protection. I have, however, travelled overseas. I have witnessed governments in turmoil. Countries embattled in scandal and am not naive enough to believe it could not happen here. However, as a citizen my hopes are that it won’t. Yet even if it does, this is not my only citizenship, nor is it the most important. Paul reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven and it is from there Christ will return.

With what are the citizens of a kingdom concerned? Thinking in the most basic of ways, I would say the daily necessities. Food, water, shelter, protection, income. As citizens of The Kingdom, Christ addressed this very thing in Matthew’s gospel. He says, “Therefore I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25) Instead, He tells us to be concerned with seeking Him first and foremost. Faith, that should be our main Kingdom concern. Living a life of faith, seeking Him and allowing Him to add to our life what He desires, as He desires.

Another kingdom concern is allegiance. No one likes a traitor. A king, governor, president, expects their citizens to live their lives being thankful instead of being out for personal gain by turning on them. Once again, Christ addresses this in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” I think we could insert a fill-in-the-blank where money is in that verse. You cannot serve both God and ___________________. Our allegiance is a Kingdom issue right here and right now. In order to serve God, it must be God alone.

Lastly, I believe protection is a kingdom issue. No one wants to fear their government or military. We want to know that there is protection and freedom from harm. This can only happen if you are in the Kingdom. In Matthew 7, Christ is speaking. He says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) Protection in the Kingdom of Heaven looks like doing the will of the Father here and now. Christ’s return is imminent. Being found faithful is vital.

Questions for Reflection:

• What are my concerns?
• Who or what am I serving?
• Am I doing the will of the Father?

Father, remind me of what You are concerned with and grow my faith. Help me to be Kingdom minded and do good while I’m here. Amen.