What Is Your Citizenship? - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) July 7, 2026

Have you ever had to fill out a form that asked about your citizenship? That question is a big deal in most countries, because your citizenship determines the benefits and rights you enjoy. The issue of citizenship is a big deal to God as well. The citizens of heaven get to achieve and walk in certain blessings that non-citizens won't experience. This is why, during a famine, Isaac somehow reaped a hundredfold harvest (Genesis 26:12). His heavenly citizenship ensured that the limitations of the land didn't impact him. This is the case for those who believe in Christ and through obedience, become citizens of His Father's kingdom.

It is all well and good to rejoice in and expect such success as a citizen of heaven, but we must never forget that membership has requirements. In the world, citizens are expected to pay taxes and observe the laws, among other civic duties. Heavenly citizenship is no different. One aspect of such status is mentioned in Philippians 3:20 - But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. Although we walk in this world, we do not belong to it and as members of God's kingdom, we are His earthly ambassadors. But we must ask ourselves, are we eagerly awaiting the return of our King's Son? Are we living as those who anticipate the saviors return?

This is one of the things that heavenly citizenship entails - an expectation of Christ's return. We therefore should be putting things in place to welcome Him back. He told us to spread the gospel, have you been playing your role, big or small, in this (Mark 16:15)? Jesus asked whether He would find men and women with faith when He returns (Luke 18:8). Are we walking in the resolute faith He is talking about? Or are we content with our fickle faith, unwilling to challenge ourselves to trust God more? Are we spreading the fragrance of Christ wherever we go, giving people the chance to experience the good news and God's love through their encounters with us (2 Corinthians 2:14-16)?

Are we more focused on our nationality or the other factions we've settled into such as those formed along the lines of race, religion, favorite celebrities or sports teams? Instead, we should prayerfully seek out fellow Kingdom representatives, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us to them. That way, we collaborate to bring others into the family of our God. We also should be standing in our calling and gifts bringing His presence into our spheres of influence.

Or, is our primary focus on the daily grind? This is understandable given the mounting bills we each have to pay. Yet, this reality does not lessen the need to reconnect with and receive from the king of the kingdom we claim to be a part of. In fact, the more quality time invested with Him, the more He will enable us to give to Caesar what is Caesar's, but with more ease (Mark 12:17). We achieve this by studying His Word, worshiping Him with praise and thanksgiving, while showing others genuine love and grace, as well as with Holy Spirit-led fasting and prayers for self and others. And when we let Him, He will show us how to do these things and more successfully.

Let us set our attention to the return of God's Son, the firstborn of the resurrection (Colossians 1:18). Let's sit at the Father’s feet to refocus on what's important to Him and gain wisdom to navigate this world. His Spirit will help us with this, but if we don't keep Christ's return in mind, we'll be distracted by the things of this world. Never forget that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2). Start preparing now to return to the kingdom you belong to by living as its citizen.

While you await fellowship time, Give your life to Christ with the Altar Call below and learn more about today's topic from the following previous P&P messages:

1. Serve with your Talents & Gifts

2. The Well

3. Pay your 'taxes'

4. Enemies of the Cross

5. Your Fiduciary Duty To God

6. The Crown of Glory

7. Be About The Father's Business

8. Say No To Factions

9. The Splendor of God

10. Topic: Dear Christians

11. Topic: Fruitfulness, Fruit

12. Topic: Kingdom Identity

13. Topic: Obey/Obedience

14. Topic: Wisdom