Citizens of Heaven: Finding Belonging in a Foreign World
In his letters, the Apostle Paul often emphasized a transformative truth: “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). This powerful statement calls believers to view themselves as residents of a foreign land, yearning for their true homeland. For anyone who has experienced life as an immigrant, the weight of these words becomes even more tangible.
The Immigrant Experience: Navigating Foreign Lands
Immigrants often live in the tension between two worlds. They bring with them a culture, language, and history that shapes their identity, yet they must navigate new societal norms, learn different systems, and earn their place in an unfamiliar world. For many, the opportunities in foreign lands are enticing—access to better education, improved healthcare, or career growth. Yet the experience is not without its challenges.
As temporary residents, immigrants often face limitations. Without citizenship, access to certain privileges—such as voting, government support, or stable employment—may be restricted. They may feel like outsiders, sometimes experiencing cultural misunderstandings or even prejudice. The longing for a sense of belonging can become an ache.
The Life of a Citizen: Privilege and Belonging
In contrast, citizenship offers stability, rights, and a sense of permanence. Citizens enjoy the privilege of belonging to a land where they are recognized as part of the collective whole. They can participate fully in societal life, accessing opportunities and benefits that are exclusive to those with the status of “insider.” Citizens typically feel a deeper connection to their nation’s history, values, and future.
Yet, even citizenship in an earthly kingdom is not without flaws. Political systems falter, economic challenges arise, and no nation can fulfill the deepest longings of the human heart.
Heavenly Citizenship: A New Identity
Paul’s reminder that believers are “citizens of heaven” invites us to see life on earth through a spiritual lens. Like immigrants in a foreign land, Christians navigate a world where they often feel out of place. Their values, shaped by the teachings of Christ, may clash with societal norms. They live as sojourners, knowing that their true home is with God.
Heavenly citizenship, however, offers privileges that surpass those of any earthly nation. In Christ, believers gain access to an unshakable kingdom (Hebrews 12:28), an eternal inheritance (1 Peter 1:4), and a divine purpose that transcends borders. They are part of a global family—the Church—bound not by nationality but by faith.
"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household." (Ephesians 2:19)
Yet, just as earthly immigrants may face trials, heavenly citizens are called to endure hardships. They are ambassadors of a kingdom not yet fully realized on earth, tasked with representing Christ in a world that may not always understand or accept them.
Lessons from Earthly Immigration
For immigrants and non-immigrants alike, the experiences of crossing borders and navigating new identities can mirror spiritual truths:
- Adapting to New Norms: Immigrants must learn the ways of their host country, just as believers are called to align their lives with the values of God’s kingdom.
- Longing for Belonging: The ache for a homeland reflects the human soul’s deeper longing for God, who created us for fellowship with Him.
- Patience in the Process: Just as immigrants work toward permanent residency or citizenship, Christians must persevere in faith, trusting God’s promise of an eternal home.
Living as Heavenly Citizens
To live as a heavenly citizen is to embrace both the privileges and responsibilities of this divine identity. It means seeking justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God (Micah 6:8) while longing for the day when all things will be made new. It also means extending hospitality and grace to others—especially to those who, like immigrants, may feel out of place or unwelcome in this world.
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2)
Paul’s call to heavenly citizenship is not an escape from earthly life but an invitation to live with purpose and hope, knowing that our true home awaits. Just as immigrants strive to contribute meaningfully to their new communities while holding on to their heritage, Christians are called to engage with the world while remaining rooted in their heavenly identity.
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." (Colossians 3:1-2)
A Closing Thought
As someone who has lived as a temporary immigrant, I have felt the tension of belonging and exclusion, of opportunity and limitation. These experiences deepen my appreciation for Paul’s words. They remind me that while earthly citizenship provides certain comforts, it is ultimately temporary. My heart, like Paul’s, looks forward to a homeland where I will no longer be a stranger—a place where I belong fully and forever.
In this world, we may be sojourners, but in Christ, we are home.