“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27).

The word “conversation” has to do with “one’s conduct or manner of living.” Paul beautifully reminds the Philippian believers that the way they live must match or be suitable to the claim of the gospel upon their lives. This word actually has a connection to living as a citizen should live. Philippi was a Roman colony. The believers at Philippi understood the privilege and responsibility that was theirs to represent their citizenship well.

As believers we represent our great God and our Heavenly Homeland to those around us. Think about it, my friend. When it comes to the way we act, talk, and even our attitude, we should live in a way becoming of citizens of Heaven. Our conduct reflects greatly upon our homeland, Heaven! It greatly reflects upon our Lord. While this does not mean we live perfectly, it does mean that we remind ourselves daily and trust the work of the Holy Spirit to enable us to live in a manner consistent with the transforming power of the gospel.

Stop and think about this with me today: What a grand citizenship we hold! What a great God we represent!