I’ve been reading through Philippians today, and tonight, as I revisited the book after reading it completely this morning, I was struck by this passage:
For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. (Philippians 3:18-21 ESV)
I’ve read this passage many times over the years. I’ve pondered our heavenly citizenship as followers of Christ. I get that we’re to live with minds set on things of heaven, not on things of earth.
Oh how difficult that is to live out.
For now, we’re earthly beings. Made of flesh and bone. Living in a fallen world, filled with hurts, pains, and struggles. Many struggle just to survive, while American Christians are pained by things a little higher up on the hierarchy of needs.
We can beat ourselves up about that, no doubt. But whatever the case, no matter what kind of earthly thing we struggle with…. it’s still a struggle. We’re still consumed by the things we live with. We still must face our own harsh realities.
Our heavenly citizenship is great. And we need to live with our focus there.
But it just isn’t that simple.
I find myself longing that it were. Realizing the dead ends we constantly find ourselves traveling. Wishing for the ability to put to death the desires for earthly things. Hoping for God to provide peace as promised.
I’m waiting.
Anxiously.
Ready for Jesus to come.
Thankful for His broken body and spilled blood. Grateful for redemption and grace that I don’t deserve.
But weary of the things of earth.
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