Where Does Our True Citizenship Lie?

On Sunday, Harri spoke about our true citizenship and how Scripture calls us to see ourselves first as citizens of God’s future kingdom rather than of any earthly nation. He opened with Paul’s words in Philippians 3:20: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” This set the foundation for understanding where our true identity lies.

A question about our heavenly passport

Harri asked us to imagine what it would be like if our heavenly citizenship came with a passport. If it did, would the photo look anything like Jesus Christ? He connected this thought with Romans 8:29, which says that God intends us to be “conformed to the image of his Son”. The point was that our character should reflect Christ in a visible way. Our claim to belong to the kingdom should show in how we live.

Citizenship that shapes our daily choices

He reminded us that heavenly citizenship shapes our lives now, not only in the future. He quoted Colossians 3:1 to 2: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” This call to lift our focus changes the way we make decisions. As disciples, our choices, behaviours and priorities should be guided by kingdom values instead of the shifting concerns of the world around us.

Letting go of temporary identities

Harri highlighted how easy it is to let earthly labels become our main identity. Work, possessions, status and national or cultural pride can all take up space in our thinking. He pointed us to 1 Peter 2:11, where believers are described as “strangers and pilgrims” in this world. These temporary identities fade, while our belonging to God’s kingdom lasts forever.

A reminder to reflect Christ

The exhortation ended with an encouragement to consider whether the likeness of Christ can be seen in us. He quoted Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” The call to heavenly citizenship is a call to grow into Christ’s character and let that identity guide our actions, attitudes and hopes.