Daily Devotional
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."
Philippians 3:20
We live under multiple authorities. We have governments with laws, employers with expectations, and cultural norms that shape our behavior. But as followers of Jesus, there is one authority that takes precedence over all others: King Jesus. We are citizens of heaven, resident aliens on earth.
This world is not our home. We are just passing through. But while we are here, we live under Jesus’ authority. He is our King. We live by His laws. We advance His kingdom. We represent Him in everything we do and say. This is not optional for Christians. This is what it means to confess that Jesus is Lord.
Living as a citizen of heaven means that your marriage is under His authority. Your job is under His authority. Your money is under His authority. Your mouth is under His authority. Every area of your life belongs to the King. There is no part of you that gets to operate independently of His rule.
This week, take inventory of your life. Is there any area where Jesus is not Lord? Is there any corner of your heart where you are still calling the shots because you think you know better than the King? Surrender it to Him. Let Him reign. Bow before the King who has come.
Today's Challenge
What does it practically mean for you to live as a citizen of heaven in your daily life? What tensions or struggles do you experience trying to honor Jesus as King while living in a world that does not acknowledge His authority? What is one specific step you can take this week to more fully submit an area of your life to King Jesus' rule?
Prayer
King Jesus, I acknowledge today that You have the rightful claim to every area of my life. I confess that I have often lived as if I were my own king, making decisions based on my own wisdom rather than submitting to Your authority. Forgive me for my rebellion and independence. Today I choose to bow before You as King. Reign in my marriage, my work, my finances, my words, and my thoughts. Help me to live as a citizen of heaven, representing You well in this world. At last, the King has come, and I submit to Your rule. In Your powerful name, Amen.
