January 26th | Ambassadors To Heaven

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We live here as Ambassadors to Heaven.

As children of God, we have a secure and eternal home awaiting us in Heaven. While we live here on earth, our role is to serve as Heaven's ambassadors, representing Christ's kingdom through our words, actions, and character.

In 2 Peter 1:10 (NIV), the apostle Peter writes: "Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble."

What does it mean to "confirm your calling and election"? Peter points back to the qualities he described in verses 5–7: make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.

By intentionally growing in these virtues—building on our faith in Jesus—we provide visible evidence of God's work in our lives. This diligent pursuit doesn't earn our salvation (which is by grace through faith), but it affirms and confirms that we truly belong to Him, securing our assurance and leading to a fruitful entrance into our eternal inheritance.

Jesus Himself emphasized this truth in Matthew 7:21 (NIV): "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

And in Mark 3:35 (NIV), He declares: "Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."

True membership in God's family isn't proven by words alone, but by a life of obedience to His will. Yet, to fully embrace and enter this heavenly kingdom, we must humble ourselves. In Matthew 18:3-4 (NIV), Jesus teaches His disciples using a nearby child as an example: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Childlike humility—trusting dependence, simplicity, and a willingness to be lowly rather than proud—is essential. It's not about immaturity, but about shedding self-reliance and ego to receive God's kingdom with open, unpretentious hearts.

Our access to Heaven should be the most valuable treasure in our lives. Jesus illustrates this in Matthew 13:44 (NIV): “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.”

The man didn't hesitate; in joy, he gave up everything for something far greater. Likewise, when we truly grasp the worth of our eternal home, no earthly possession or pursuit compares—we prioritize it above all else.

Paul echoes this longing in 2 Corinthians 5:1-2 (NIV): “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling.”

Our current bodies are temporary tents (Paul originally was a tent maker), but we await a glorious, eternal home. This truth stirs a deep groan of anticipation within us.

Finally, Philippians 3:20 (NIV) reminds us: “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Our true passport is heavenly, not earthly. We live here as ambassadors, but our allegiance and eager expectation are fixed on our return to the Father through Christ.

Today, take a moment to reflect: Where can you "make every effort" to add one of these attributes to your faith? Where might pride or self-sufficiency hinder your childlike humility? What "everything" are you willing to surrender for the incomparable treasure of God's kingdom? As you humble yourself, grow in these qualities, and set your heart on Heaven, let that eternal perspective shape your daily life—groaning with joyful anticipation, living obediently as a citizen of Heaven right here on earth. You are called, chosen, and destined for glory!