Have you ever felt out of place in this world? Like a traveler far from home, longing for the familiar air of your true homeland? This is the heart of what the Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 3:20: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” What a glorious truth! Our home is not here, in this foreign land of sin and suffering, but in the glory of heaven itself.

Let’s pause and consider this. As believers, we are citizens of heaven right now. Not tomorrow, not when we reach glory, but today. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:19, “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” Purchased by the blood of the Lamb, you belong to the kingdom of light. This citizenship shapes how we live, how we hope, and how we endure.

What does it mean to be a citizen of heaven? It means we eagerly await our Savior. That word “await” in Philippians 3:20 carries a sense of longing, an eager anticipation. Think of soldiers in a far-off land, yearning for the day they’ll kiss the ground of their homeland. So it is with us. Romans 8:23 tells us, “We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” Our souls are pulled toward glory, where we truly belong.

Yet, if we’re honest, don’t we sometimes grow too comfortable here? We chase an easier life—better health, stable finances, freedom from pain. But the Lord, in His mercy, uses trials to tune our hearts for home. If you’ve known suffering, you may feel this longing more deeply. Hebrews 9:28 promises, “Christ… will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly awaiting him.” That’s our hope, brothers and sisters—a Savior who’s coming to take us home.

Christ’s resurrection fuels this hope. Because He rose, ascended, and sits at the Father’s right hand, we know our citizenship is secure. Romans 8:18-23 reminds us that even our suffering is part of this eager waiting, as creation itself groans for Christ’s return. We’re not home yet, but our hearts are set on glory.

Reflection: You’re a citizen of heaven—do you feel the weight of that? It’s easy to get caught up in this world’s distractions: the next promotion, the next vacation, or just getting through the day. But your true home is with Christ. Are you longing for Him? When you face trials—maybe a strained relationship or a health struggle—let them remind you this world isn’t your home. Try this: each morning, pray, “Lord, fix my eyes on heaven.” Let that shape your choices—how you love your family, serve your neighbor, or face disappointment. You’re not just passing through; you’re headed to glory. Live like it and let your heart sing for your coming Savior.