The Power of Identity
Welcome to Day 3 of our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting! Today, we turn our focus to the powerful truth of Kingdom citizenship and our identity in Christ.
In a world where identity is often tied to status, achievements, or societal roles, it is easy to feel insecure or unsure of our place. However, as followers of Jesus, our primary identity is not found in the things of this world but in our citizenship in God’s Kingdom.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:20: “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” As Kingdom citizens, we belong to Christ, are called to reflect His character, and live as His representatives on earth.
What Does It Mean to Be a Kingdom Citizen?
1. Belonging to Christ
Kingdom citizenship begins with belonging to Jesus. Through His death and resurrection, He has made a way for us to enter God’s Kingdom. When we place our faith in Him, we are no longer strangers or outsiders but are adopted into God’s family (Ephesians 2:19).
This belonging gives us a new identity:
We are children of God: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1)
We are heirs of the Kingdom: “If we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” (Romans 8:17)
Our identity in Christ assures us that we are loved, valued, and secure. No earthly status or failure can take away this eternal truth.
2. Living by Kingdom Values
As Kingdom citizens, we are called to live differently from the world. Our lives should reflect the values and principles of God’s Kingdom, such as:
Love: Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34).
Humility: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)
Justice and mercy: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy.” (Micah 6:8)
Living by these values may not always be easy, especially when the world operates on principles of self-promotion, power, and greed. However, as citizens of God’s Kingdom, we are called to be light and salt, demonstrating a better way through our words and actions (Matthew 5:13–16).
3. Representing the King
Being a Kingdom citizen means we are ambassadors for Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul writes: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.”
As ambassadors:
We represent Jesus to the world: Our lives should point others to Him, showing His love, grace, and truth.
We carry His message of reconciliation: We are called to share the good news of salvation, inviting others into God’s Kingdom.
This role gives our lives purpose and meaning. No matter where we are or what we do, we have the honour of representing the King of Kings.
Challenges of Kingdom Citizenship
While our ultimate allegiance is to God’s Kingdom, we often find ourselves torn between earthly priorities and heavenly ones. It’s easy to get caught up in chasing worldly success, approval, or comfort.
Jesus reminds us: “No one can serve two masters.” (Matthew 6:24) As Kingdom citizens, we must continually evaluate where our loyalty lies and prioritise God’s will above all else.
Living as a citizen of God’s Kingdom often means standing against cultural norms or pressures that conflict with His values. This can lead to challenges such as:
Opposition: Remaining faithful to Christ may bring criticism or rejection.
Temptation: The pull of sin and worldly desires can distract us from our Kingdom calling.
Through prayer, fasting, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, we can overcome these challenges and remain steadfast in our identity.
As we reflect on Kingdom citizenship, remember that our identity is secure in Christ. We are not defined by worldly standards but by our relationship with the King.
Through this journey of prayer and fasting, let us ask God to strengthen our understanding of what it means to belong to His Kingdom. May our lives reflect His love and truth, drawing others into His glorious reign.
Prayer for Today:
Lord, thank You for making me a citizen of Your Kingdom. Help me to live out my identity in Christ, reflecting Your love, grace, and truth. Strengthen me to represent You well in a world that desperately needs Your light. In Jesus’ name, Amen.