How do you answer the above question? Many correct answers could be given by the same

individual. One might answer with the name of a state, town, or street address. One might answer

by giving a landmark (I live next to the water tower) or relationship (I live next door to Aunt

Mabel).

The apostle Paul suggested another way to answer the question. In his letter to the Christians

in Philippi, he stated, “Our citizenship is in Heaven”. He wanted disciples of Jesus to remember

their identity, their purpose, and their hope.

He contrasted the earthly mind set (their mind was on earthly things) with the spiritual

nature of God’s kingdom.

He compared the consequences of living for this world (their end was destruction) and living

for the Lord (we eagerly await a Savior...who will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be

like his glorious body).

He reiterated the principle that believers live in the world, but are not of the world. The child

of God must differentiate between the two!

This leads to the question, “Where do you live”? Do you live in the state of Grace? Are you

staying next to the Father? Do you reside in the shadow of the cross?

Remember, “For our citizenship is in Heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the

Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ (Phil.3:20). What a difference it will make in your life!

~ Jan Hanley

Wilbarger St. church of Christ,

Vernon, TX

Bulletin Digest, Abilene, TX