Philippians 3:17-21 (NLT)
17 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. 18 For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. 20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.

The apostle Paul wants to make the point to the Philippians their life here on earth should reflect their citizenship in heaven. Paul gives a passionate plea for them to understand there are enemies of Christ who by their actions show they want no part of God. They do not desire the salvation He provides out of love, grace and mercy. He knows many are waiting for Christ, and there will be a time when our mortal bodies will be glorious, transformed bodies; citizens of heaven.

Can you imagine life as a citizen of heaven? The book of Revelation has these words, “All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write on them the name of my God, and they will be citizens in the city of my God—the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God.” Citizens have a responsibility. It was the citizens of this country we love that stood up for their beliefs and desire for freedom. It was citizens of this country who came together to pass laws providing rights to vote and equalities that had been neglected once too often. Those who believe the salvation God has provided will be citizens with Him in heaven. But while we are here on earth we are to live as though we are already living with God. We are to take our citizenship seriously knowing that it will never fade away. We are to act accordingly showing the same love, mercy and grace God showed us. Pray God will lead you to be the citizen on this earth that he desires you to be.