Saint Athanasius Lutheran Church

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul makes a profound statement: Our citizenship is in heaven. In a world where earthly status and identity hold great significance, Paul redirects our focus to our true and eternal identity in Christ. Roman citizenship was highly valued, offering protection, privilege, and status. Yet, Paul, who possessed both Roman and Jewish prestige, considered it all worthless compared to knowing Christ. His life, marked by suffering and sacrifice, reflected his unwavering commitment to his heavenly citizenship. This truth challenges us today. Earthly comforts and identities often compete for our loyalty, yet Christ calls us to a greater reality. Through baptism, we are made citizens of heaven, given a new identity, and assured of our resurrection. As we navigate this world, we are called to live differently—fixing our eyes on Jesus, standing firm in faith, and trusting that He will complete the good work He has begun in us.