On the eve of my 21st birthday, I wallowed in doubt and wrestled with anxiety rather than celebrating the new season of life I was about to enter. I struggled with feelings of inadequacy as I lay in my bed, staring at the ceiling for hours. Sleep did not come for quite some time.
Labels, status symbols, and titles haunted my dreams that night, characteristics of a successful adult swirling around in my head like the snowflakes outside my window. I wear many hats these days: student, senior, English major, freelance writer, copywriting intern and more. Lately, I identify with labels such as job hunter, applicant, and potential candidate more than any other term.
However, when I experience rare moments of sanity, I remember my status as a child of the one true King. When I’m forced to slow down in chapel, I ponder the lengths I go for the labels and titles of this world.
It seems silly to strive so hard for social standing and achievements on earth when my citizenship in heaven was a free gift.
My membership for eternal life with Christ has already been paid. Why am I so worried about all these other things?
I contemplated this issue for many months after our chapel theme from Psalms 15 was introduced during the fall semester. This year’s theme chapter should challenge us to evaluate our lives and explore our citizenship in heaven.
What does it look like to be a citizen of heaven? How should my status as one who belongs within the kingdom of God change my everyday life?
In Psalms 15, David meditates on the character of one who is in tune with the presence of God and pledges allegiance to the Almighty.
The first question David asks is, “Who is worthy of spending an eternity with God?” Though we know none of us are worthy on account of our sins, David spends time envisioning those who “dwell in the Lord’s sacred tent” and “live on his holy mountain.” He emphasizes the deep desire to walk closely with God and know his heart.
The intentions and actions of a citizen of heaven make up the main body of the chapter, describing this man or woman as:
“one whose walk is blameless,
who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from their heart;
whose tongue utters no slander,
who does no wrong to a neighbor,”
The way you live matters to God. Does your fellowship with others reflect your citizenship in heaven?
“and casts no slur on others;
who despises a vile person, but honors those who fear the Lord;”
Do you speak life unto those around you? Do your words reflect your membership in the kingdom of God?
“who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
and does not change their mind;
who lends money to the poor without interest;
who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.”
There is no room for lukewarm citizens in heaven. Do you reflect Christ’s love boldly and demonstrate your allegiance to the Almighty?
It’s easy to see all the places I’ve fallen short of as a citizen of heaven when I read Psalms 15.
However, there is hope.
“Whoever does these things will never be shaken.”
When we face challenges and are stripped of our labels, social statuses and titles, we are never without an identity in the storm.
Stand firm and remember that you are a citizen of heaven.
