Paul McKenzie

Memory Verse, Thursday, March 13: Philippians 3:20

"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ:"

One of my favorite verses, and one of those where the KJV uses a word that has been defined a little differently in our day. Most translations use "citizenship" for "conversation", which does fit the Greek rendering that we would understand today. The "conversation" refers more to the "way of life". For though we are living in this world, we live as representatives of the Kingdom to which we really belong: the Kingdom of Heaven.

When we went through 2 Corinthians 5, we saw Paul referring to himself and his team as "ambassadors for Christ", with the purpose to urge people to reconciled to God. (20) And we saw at the end of Matthew, Jesus telling His disciples to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." (28:19-20)

But in nearly every letter, we find some reference, usually at the beginning of them, expressing our main focus, which is on Christ's return. 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 describes this well: "For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come."

I immediately thought of the opening of 1 Corinthians as well: "I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God given you by Jesus Christ; that in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1:4-7)

And best of all from that passage: "who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord." (1:8-9)

Sounds familiar right? If we look back at the beginning of this great little letter to Philippi: "being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" (Pp 1:6)

So, as our "citizenship" lies in Heaven, our "conversation" should lie there as well. It is the only hope for mankind. I just saw a concern on FB from a friend expressing distress about the volatile money wars developing in the world at this moment, and all I could think of is Mark 12:17: "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's".

We need to hold lightly the things of this world, for in the end they will remain and rot, while we move from mortal to the immortal. We don't serve the "things of mammon". We use them for the good of the Kingdom, for there is where anything on this earth will be of any real value. If there is one thing you cannot escape in the Bible, it's the principle that "And having food and raiment, let us be therewith content." (1 Timothy 6:8)

Reading further back in this passage, we see Paul speaking against "perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." (5-7)

Anything else is simply a blessing from the Lord, and should be there, not only for our pleasure, but to share with others. I remember being given a beautiful classical guitar. I already had one, and did not need two for my purposes, so I gave my old one away. I'm not patting myself on the back for it, it's just an example that, since I had no use for two of the same types of guitars, why keep it? And it was able to bring joy to another.

All that we have are given to us by God's grace, from talents to things, and should be shared for the glory of God. We are His workmanship, and we are His ambassadors. Jesus said, freely as you have received, freely give (Mt 10:8). Don't buy a bigger house just because you can. If you are in that fortunate position, maybe use some of that to help finance homes for the poor. Or water and food for others who may not have any. Or bibles and missionaries. Or an ultrasound machine for a Pregnancy resource center. Be wise with what you have, for it has been given you by God to serve His divine purpose. And He's called us to be lights in the world.

"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

There is no greater joy then to see a lost soul turn to Christ. And when we reflect Christ, they will desire what we have. Not things, but the Maker Himself.

I'm looking for Him, desiring with all of my heart that He returns soon. And during the waiting period, hopefully living a life worthy of His calling, so that others can see Him in me and "look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ", as well.

Today if you hear His voice, harden not your heart.

Memory Helps:

"For our conversation is in heaven;
from whence also we look for the Savior,
the Lord Jesus Christ:"

We all have played the "20 questions" game, where you ask questions until we get the right answer. Since this is verse 20, we can do that with this verse:

1: Where is our conversation? In heaven

2: What are we doing? Looking

3: Looking for whom? The Savior

4: Who is the Savior? The Lord Jesus Christ.

Now, we are not having this "conversation" any place, we are in heaven! And while we are asking the questions, we all have binoculars, for we "look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."

The man with the famous "NoSe", Jimmy Durante, is my "memory character" for verses 20 (N=2, S=0, vowels fillers). So of course, he is "nosing" into "our conversation", asking all of those questions. And he and you are "on the heavenly sea with Me to remember chapter 3 (M=3, sea rhymes with 3).