Living From Heaven

Philippians 3:17-21

We are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. (Philippians 3:20)

THE PEVENSIE CHILDREN SPENT a lifetime in Narnia as kings and queens, almost completely forgetting their former life in England until they returned to it through a wardrobe. While in England, their memories of Narnia faded until they were thrust back into it at a time of need. The way C. S. Lewis portrayed the memories of his characters throughout The Chronicles of Narnia series makes a profound statement about the way we live: Whatever realm our minds are immersed in shapes the decisions we make and the influence we have.

That’s important for us as believers because we are told that we are already citizens of heaven, seated with Christ there in his position of power. For people in such a high state, we live awfully powerless lives sometimes. Why? Not because we lack power—the power of the Resurrection itself works within us (Ephesians 1:19-20; 3:20)—but because we forget who we are. We live as citizens of earth trying to draw on heaven’s resources rather than as citizens of heaven pouring its resources into earth. We need constant reminders of our position.

Immerse your mind in the things of heaven (Colossians 3:1-2). When you live as a citizen of earth trying to draw on heaven’s resources, your starting assumption is one of lack and poverty. But that isn’t God’s description of who you are or where you sit. You can be energized by the thought that you are an overcomer (Romans 8:37); everything, even your losses, will work out for your good (Romans 8:28); you have access to the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16); God himself is at work within you (Philippians 2:13); and much, much more. In other words, you are called to be an outpost of heaven on earth, a connecting point between the two realms. Anchor yourself there, and live, pray, and speak with that power. It will make a world of difference in your life and the lives of others.

{Father, forgive me for pleading like an orphan and outcast of your Kingdom. Give me a throne-room mentality as your child and royal heir. Energize me with the power of the Resurrection. Immerse me in the heavenly realm so that I may live from there toward earth. Amen.