Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Philippians chapter 3:
17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
Citizenship is the status of a person recognized under the custom or law as being a legal member of a sovereign state. Given that THE SPIRIT establishes our citizenship status belongs to Heaven, why do so many set their mind on earthly things? What enduring value are those earthly things? Jesus is our example of a citizen of Heaven who journeyed through various jurisdictions of the earth. His priority was to change people’s lives for the better and show them a better way, Truth, and Life.
Those who are not citizens are described as their god is their belly or appetite. They look to what they can consume for themselves without thought of others. They live their lives believing they are entitled to all that is set before them. They are shameful in their lusts for earthly things. They are opposed to the cross of Christ because of its perceived impact requiring them to give up what they lust after. Their immediate worldly desires are greater than eternal life and change of citizenship for they are blinded to the benefits.
Jesus will transform our body to conform to His glorious body for He has the power and authority to do so. Would we sacrifice this glorious future for the temporary satisfaction of today? As each of us contemplates the things of this world and see their constant state of deterioration, why would we consider such a path? Generally speaking, the world’s assets become liabilities at some point. Storage units are filled with assets becoming liabilities and at some point people will simply give the contents away or take it to the dump. This world’s assets cannot compare to the eternal life provided through Jesus Christ.
By THE SPIRIT Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians chapter 4:
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
We live by faith in Jesus Christ and rest in the fact that our inward man is being renewed day by day. Not only is our outward man perishing but so are all of our possessions. Those who have excess possessions should simply give those to them who are in need while they are still useful. Those who hoard live in fear that FATHER will not provide for them. They question their citizenship and are double-minded in their ways. We must understand our rights and privileges of being a citizen of Heaven. FATHER provided us with written instruction as well as verbal instruction. Let us no longer question to what sovereign state we belong. As guests of various countries we should seek to be lawful according to their local laws but we must not forget where our citizenship is established. We should not be moved by local political events but know that FATHER is orchestrating the big picture on behalf of HIS Kingdom. Be at peace!