Related text: Philippians 3; Ephesians 2, 5:8
As I was studying through the book of Philippians and preparing for a summer camp, this theme of being a “citizen of the kingdom of Heaven” kept coming to mind. As I got to Philippians 3:18-21 the truth of our identity apart from Christ and our new identity when we follow Him became very clear: we are enemies before God called us to Himself! We are destined to destruction when our god is anyone other than Jesus! Our glory is temporary and leads us to our shame when we don’t live for the glory of God alone! So instead, would we grab ahold of the identity that God desires for us: friend, child, and citizen! The verse below inspired the subsequent lyrics:
“For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.” –Philippians 3:18-21 (NASB)
The lyrics of the songs sprouted so naturally from this passage:
I don’t know how you love me after all that I’ve done
God, change me from the inside, make me like the Son
The rest of the chapter continues to affirm the transformation from enemy of God to friend and child. Philippians 3 is an excellent walk-through of what happens when we go from death to life and align ourselves with the identity that God desires for us. Ephesians 2 is also a supporting passage to this concept and ultimately calls us to leave our state of being “children of wrath” to being “children of light” (Eph. 2:3, 5:8) and even uses the following verse to emphasize our new citizenship:
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household” -Ephesians 2:19 (NASB)
This is part of the Gospel message: that God redeems us not simply by cleaning up our mess but by calling us to Himself and claiming us as part of His eternal family.
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Kevin McClure has been leading worship in the local church for over 10 years in different capacities of multi-generational, young adult, and student ministries. As a songwriter, musical artist, and worship leader he has had the honor of touring the United States both as a performer and worship leader over the better part of the last decade. With a heart to see believers learn how to take the act of worship beyond the setting of a group gathering, Kevin is incredibly intentional with his time on and offstage to help teach the practice of worship as a lifestyle through conversation and writing- including through his blog. He also leads the Worship Leader Network by organizing regular events and building relationships with other worship people throughout the Midwest. Kevin lives in Omaha, Nebraska with his bride Hailey his two daughters, Everleigh and Eliska, and his son Bear. His favorite food is coffee, loves bonfires, and is an avid Chicago Cubs fan. You can find more of Kevin’s writings and creative endeavors at KevinMcClure.org and follow him on social media platforms through his handle, @KevinTMcClure.
Kevin McClure 