Represent

Today I want to talk about a small glimpse of our identity in God, and responsibility as a Christian. This topic transcends age. No matter how old or young you are, this includes you! Remember, when we come to Christ, realize our need for him, die to self, and rise in him we are completely new. We are saved from our sin, washed clean of it, and God remembers it no more. We now live a life in the light of His grace, but this doesn’t mean we keep sinning. Let’s dig a little deeper into Philippians and 2 Corinthians and see what I mean...

“… our CITIZENSHIP is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:20

What does it mean to be a citizen of Heaven? Here in America it mean it something you are born into, whether born on American soil or to a current American citizen, or you can live here a certain amount of time and test your way into citizenship. So you either are born into it or you earn it. Heavenly citizenship isn’t quite this way. God grants the believer citizenship based on the sacrifice of His Son. What these two citizenships have in common is the fact that you are now to be held accountable by your kingdom’s laws. Heavenly citizenship means we live for the King of kings and live in his ways. We actually have an opportunity and privilege to do that!

” 20 Therefore, we are AMBASSADORS for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”” 2 Corinthians 5:20

No we go a step further, we aren’t only citizens, but ambassadors. What does and ambassador do? They are high ranking government position that plants this individual into a foreign land as their every move, word, and deed reflects their current nation. All their authority and power comes from the authority of the government they represent. They also live on a small plot of land in this foreign country under their own government’s laws and rules. Do you see where I’m going here?

God says we are citizens of Heaven and we are ambassadors of it. That means we are planted here on earth to represent Heaven, all our authority comes for our mighty King of kings, and we have been given a small platform of influence here on earth that people will watch our every move, word, and deed to learn about Heaven. This is our privilege and our Joy! Or at least it should be.

What is your platform of influence? School, family, work, friends, church, etc…?

Are you representing Heaven well?

Bryan Allard

Teen and Wellness director at the West Toledo YMCA.

Start High School FCA 3-3:30p Wednesdays 

Campus Life 5:30-6:30p Wednesdays

Contact me at ballard@ymcatoledo.org if you would like me to speak at your next youth gathering, Sunday service, or outreach program