Citizens of Heaven (Pt. 3) - The Character of Christ
As citizens of heaven, we have learned that our identity comes from Jesus’ sacrifice, that we have access to the Father, and that the Holy Spirit is transforming us from within. Today, our focus is on how this inward transformation flows outward into our conduct—the character of Christ on display in us.
Paul says in Philippians 1:27: “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.” Our conduct does not make us right with God; rather, because of Christ’s finished work and the Spirit within us, our conduct becomes evidence that we belong to Him.
Ambassadors of Christ
Growing up, many of us heard our parents say, “Remember the child of whom you are.” That truth applies to us spiritually: we are not only citizens of heaven but ambassadors of Christ. Scripture tells us, “We are Christ’s ambassadors. God is making His appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20). When people encounter us, they should encounter a reflection of Jesus.
Genesis reminds us that we are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26–27). Colossians calls Jesus the firstborn—the perfect example we are called to follow. Though the bar feels impossibly high, Philippians 2:13 assures us that “God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” We not only have the desire to live like Christ but also the Spirit-given power to walk it out.
The Fruit of Character
Character is revealed through fruit. Jesus’ character is displayed in the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). At the foundation of them all is love. Jesus summarized the greatest commandments this way: love God fully, and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37–40). Every aspect of Christlike conduct grows from this foundation.
Love That Forgives
Jesus loved even those who betrayed Him. At the Last Supper, His disciples could not tell who would betray Him because His love toward Judas was as consistent as toward the others. That is the kind of forgiving, unconditional love we are called to embody.
Love That Honors
To honor others is to recognize them as image-bearers of God. Jesus Himself honored His earthly parents, modeling humility. As citizens of heaven, we honor up, down, and across—not just leaders, but peers, children, and all people.
Love That Unites
Before His death, Jesus prayed for unity among His followers (John 17:20–23). Unity is a powerful testimony to the world of God’s love. Disunity, on the other hand, weakens our witness. Choosing peace and reconciliation is not optional; it is part of living worthy of the gospel.
Love That Is Bold
Love also expresses itself in boldness. Peter went from denying Christ to proclaiming Him fearlessly before religious leaders. We too are called to speak truth in love, not arrogantly, but with courage rooted in Christ. Boldness flows from knowing who we are and whose Spirit empowers us.
Growing in Christlike Character
How do we grow into the character of Christ as citizens of heaven?
Know Him. We cannot reflect someone we do not know. Knowing God means intentional fellowship through His Word, prayer, and presence.
Obey Him. Obedience matters more than sacrifice. Every small “yes” to God shapes us into Christ’s likeness.
Receive His correction. When God points out pride, anger, or sin, He does so in love. Correction is not condemnation; it is a Father’s gift to make us more like His Son.
Choose love. In every decision—whether forgiving, serving, or honoring—choose love as the foundation.
This is not instant; it is a lifelong journey. The Spirit keeps working in us, shaping us daily, until the day we see Christ face to face.
Living Worthy of the Gospel
As citizens of heaven, we are called to look like Christ. Our love, unity, honor, and boldness are not optional extras; they are the conduct worthy of the Good News. When we choose love, empowered by the Spirit, the world sees Jesus through us.
Let us remember whose we are, and let every conversation, every workplace, every relationship carry the imprint of heaven.