我去看我的小孙子时，他刚好收到他的加拿大出生证。我对他说：“艾略特，你可能不明白你刚刚收到了什么，但这个东西能表明你是多么蒙福。已经有基础设施准备好为你提供安全保障、教育、医疗，还有更多！这个世界有许多人冒着生命危险想要来到这个国家，希望你在成长过程中能感恩这份国民的大礼。而你，反过来，也将为这个国家的福祉做出贡献。”
然而，我们不能忘记保罗提醒我们的，我们也是天上的国民。神赐给我们生命本身——也赐给我们保护，医治和健全的教导，使我们与神同享丰盛的生命！我们透过跟随耶稣，专注于那些因信祂而活的人，来感谢这份恩赐。
可悲的是，正如保罗指出的，有许多人是十字架的仇敌。换句话说，他们不愿意承认耶稣在十字架上为他们的罪付上代价。“他们的神就是他们的肚腹”——即各种转瞬即逝的嗜好——他们用自私的利益和这个世界认为重要的权力、地位和名誉（荣耀）来占据自己。但这一切只会逐渐消失。
要成为神国的子民，我们不需要冒生命危险；相反，我们把盼望、信靠和爱都放在耶稣基督身上，祂有那“叫万有都归服自己的大能”我们是多么蒙福啊！
神的圣灵啊，求你使我们成为你国度中忠实的国民。奉耶稣的名祷告。阿们。
腓立比书 3:12-4:1
12这不是说我已经得着了，已经完全了，我乃是竭力追求，或者可以得着基督耶稣所以得着我的。
13弟兄们，我不是以为自己已经得着了，我只有一件事，就是忘记背后，努力面前的，
14向着标竿直跑，要得神在基督耶稣里从上面召我来得的奖赏。
15所以我们中间凡是完全人，总要存这样的心；若在什么事上存别样的心，神也必以此指示你们。
16然而我们到了什么地步，就当照着什么地步行。
17弟兄们，你们要一同效法我，也当留意看那些照我们榜样行的人。
18因为有许多人行事是基督十字架的仇敌，我屡次告诉你们，现在又流泪地告诉你们。
19他们的结局就是沉沦，他们的神就是自己的肚腹！他们以自己的羞辱为荣耀，专以地上的事为念。
20我们却是天上的国民，并且等候救主，就是主耶稣基督，从天上降临。
21他要按着那能叫万有归服自己的大能，将我们这卑贱的身体改变形状，和他自己荣耀的身体相似。
1我所亲爱所想念的弟兄们，你们就是我的喜乐，我的冠冕。我亲爱的弟兄，你们应当靠主站立得稳。
“Our citizenship is in heaven.” — Philippians 3:20
I was visiting my infant grandson when his Canadian birth certificate came in the mail. I said to him, “Elliott, you may not understand what you have just received, but this shows how really blessed you are. An infrastructure is set up to provide safety, education, health care, and so much more! Hopefully, in a world where many risk life and limb to enter this country, you can grow to appreciate this great gift of citizenship, and you, in turn, will contribute to the welfare of this country.”
We must never forget though, as Paul reminds us, that we are also citizens of heaven. God gives us life itself—along with protection, healing, and sound teaching for full life with him! We show appreciation for this gift by following Jesus and keeping our eyes on those who live by faith in him.
Sadly, as Paul points out, there are many others who are enemies of the cross. In other words, they do not want to recognize their sin that Jesus paid for on the cross. “Their god is their stomach”—all kinds of fleeting appetites—and they occupy themselves with selfish gain and the power, status, or fame (glory) that this world thinks is important. But all these things only fade away.
To be included as citizens of God’s kingdom, we do not have to risk life and limb; rather, we place our hope, trust, and love in Jesus Christ, who has the power “to bring everything under his control.” How truly blessed we are!
Spirit of God, enable us to be faithful citizens of your kingdom. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
诵读: 骆云秀
片头: 张妙阳
