A Path Among the Rocks

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

Philippians 3:20 (KJV)

I’ve had a lot of good conversations the last couple of weeks.  Driving my grandson back and forth to music camp has given me the opportunity to discuss several things with him – namely, how much fun he had every day playing in the creek during “recess,” but also the words to a song that really resonated with his soul about the fourth man in the fire with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Daniel 3:25).  We talked about how God is still here to be with us and help us today, just like He was with those three young men. 

I also spent a wonderful day on the river fishing with my oldest brother.  A rare chance to spend time with one of the most honorable men I know.  We had great conversations about fishing: how to fish; how to catch; and how to release.  We have differing fishing styles but the same love of a good cast, a good catch and God’s creation to enjoy and admire.

Speaking of the word conversation, the verse above has been rolling around in my head since I read it a couple of weeks ago.  The King James Version tells us that our “conversation” is in heaven.  Use of this word in the context of that verse caused a bit of confusion for a minute because I am more familiar with the New International Version of this verse which says that our ‘citizenship’ is in heaven.   

I love words and very much enjoy doing word studies on words and phrases used in the Bible to better understand what they mean, so this was one that I wanted to dig into to understand why the King James Version used the word “conversation” instead of citizenship.  The word “conversation” is a Greek word that means community; citizenship; a state or commonwealth. 

Translators chose to use the word “conversation” in that verse but commentary tells us that it doesn’t mean a conversation like I had with my grandson or my brother. It was used to describe a person’s way of life, conduct or manner of living. 

I thought this was really interesting and, at first, I thought these ancient translators might have missed the mark in using the word “conversation.”  But the more I thought about it, the more I came to realize what a powerful message it spoke to me in the reading of it. 

The Bible says that we will know them by their fruit (Matthew 7:16-20).  In other words, if we are truly a citizen of heaven, then our words, actions and our conduct will reflect our heavenly citizenship and our allegiance to Jesus. 

That really got me to thinking about my own “conversation” or manner of conduct in life, whether in action or in word.  I can tell you without a shadow of doubt that my conversations have not always been “full of grace and seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6).  I’ve absolutely let anger, stress, hurt or frustration been my mouth piece at times, and I shudder to think about the impact that might have caused the recipients of my words and actions.  No one is perfect, especially me, and I am thankful that I stumbled on this verse in Philippians and the journey that it sent me on to remind me about the importance of being mindful of my role as a citizen of heaven. 

Life can be a mess sometimes.  Stresses at work or at home caused from any number of reasons can be difficult to maneuver and still find all the right words to say, and actions to take, to reflect who we are in Christ.  Sometimes I fail at it miserably.  It’s OK to mourn that behavior, and in fact, we should (James 4:9-10).  David, a man after God’s own heart, made some of the biggest mistakes that could be made, but he always went to God with a broken heart over his actions (Psalm 51:17).  Failures on our part should not mean that we stop our conversations with God.  In fact, it’s in those failures that we should seek Him all the more in the same way that David did.  It’s good to be aware of our continued need for our Savior, Jesus. 

My youngest grandson is learning his words.  He will be three next month.  One of his favorite phrases right now seems to be “Hey, who are you?”  What he’s really trying to say is “Hey, what are you doing?” but sometimes it’s just “Hey, who are you?”  I think that’s a fitting question for us today and one that we are wise to ask ourselves often.  Who am I?   The answer for all of us, if we know Jesus as Savior and Lord, is that we are citizens of heaven, and real estate agents for a house in heaven – showing the way to Jesus. 

So, I’m going to be more mindful of the opportunities that I have to interact with others – to be mindful that my “conversation” may be the one and only opportunity that I have to show Jesus through my words and actions and my way of life.  I am also thankful that God gives us everything we need to do just that (2 Peter 1:3).   

Father, help us to be more like You.   Help us to know that You knew what you were doing when You called us, imperfect and in need of saving, to Yourself.  You didn’t make a mistake with us – we are Yours because you wanted it that way.  Help us to walk in that knowledge.  I ask You to forgive me, and anyone else that needs it, for words or actions that I’ve used that didn’t further Your kingdom, and I especially thank You that You extend forgiveness when we genuinely seek it (1 John 1:9).  We love You and it’s in Jesus’ name that I’m asking this for all of us today. 

Proactive:  Ephesians 2:19 – Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of His household,

Defensive:  2 Peter 1:3 – His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.   

Promise:  1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Prayer:  Psalm 19:14 – May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.