I was born and raised in Maryland and lived there for 28 years before I moved to California. And I’ve lived here in California for, well… the same length of time: about 28 years. And it’s funny: I’ve never quite felt like I'm a true Californian. Then again, when I go back to Maryland now, I no longer feel quite like a true Marylander. I used to feel funny about that – like where do I belong? Somewhere over Kansas? No… hey, as a Christian, I belong to the kingdom. My home is not necessarily in California or Maryland – it is not of this world. My citizenship is in heaven. And I love that feeling.
Live like a citizen of heaven and you’ll almost feel at home anywhere you happen to go on earth. As a citizen of heaven, your home isn’t a matter of geography, it’s a matter of focus… it’s a matter of your heart. Live as a citizen of heaven, and your life has intensity and depth. Your joy is fervent, but not feverish. You’ll be an energetic believer, but not excitable.
Citizens of heaven who are looking for their home in eternity are speedy in doing things, but not hasty. Prudent, but not selfish. They sit close to self-scrutiny, understanding that by their words and actions they are building for eternal glory. They invest wisely in relationships, and like any responsible citizen, act circumspectly around those whose eyes are closed to heaven. Citizens of heaven are resolute and fearless, but not rash. They seem silent and yet make people around them feel their influence. Heaven-inspired faith gives believers joy and peace, without a lot of parade or noise.
Start looking toward heavenly glories and you’ll win the heart of God. So much so, that he will go to extremes to further instill within you a strong desire for the imperishable, for the incorruptible, for the inheritance that can never spoil or fade. What are the extremes He will use?
Well, let me put it this way: God took me down a path that led to a broken neck, but the suffering that resulted blew out all the lamps in my life that lit up the here and now and made it so exciting. Now, 40 years later, I’m inspired by my blind friends who say, “When I’m finally able to see, the first face I look at will be Jesus.” And Deaf friends who hand-sign with a smile, “I’ve never heard the Hallelujah Chorus, but I can’t wait to hear the angels sing it.”
It’s a fact. Broken necks, broken homes, and broken hearts speed up the process of enjoying your true citizenship in heaven. “This world is not my home; I'm just a’passin through.” Do you know that old song? “My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door, and I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.” I think that ought to be the national anthem of every citizen of heaven!
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 93176
© Joni and Friends