Do Good while you Wait

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

In an article posted Friday by Runner’s World it was announced that Five-time Olympian and American record-holder Bernard Lagat can now add “Great Immigrant, Great American,” to his list of accolades. Lagat, 48, the head coach for the University of Arizona cross-country program, was awarded the Carnegie Corporation of New York title, alongside 34 other standouts—all naturalized citizens. The Carnegie Corporation of New York celebrates the “exemplary contributions of immigrants to American life,” according to its website. These contributions and actions “have enriched and strengthened our society and democracy.” Lagat was born in Kenya and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2004. Of Bernard’s many accomplishments while living in the states, it was reported that he helped created the Lagat Foundation in 2004, which helped provide financial assistance to Kenyan students. According to the University of Arizona, he said, “I try to put my emphasis on helping children … because I truly do think we need to be giving them the best opportunities they can have, so that they too can grow up to be successful in something they love.”

And you know, although we, like Lagat might identify as U.S. Citizens, whether by birth or by the naturalization process, “our citizenship is in heaven.” Which means we are aliens passing through this foreign land awaiting our Savior.  As we “eagerly await” though, we must not be passive but be found busy doing good works in the land we are sojourning in—inspiring the lost to transfer their citizenship from this world to heaven. 

So let us help all those we can as we go through this journey to get to our heavenly home my friend—using whatever platforms and possessions we have at our disposal to do so. We will not only be blessed ourselves but will represent well the One whom we are waiting for. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that this is not our home. Help us to live with that in mind at all times so that we would place priority on the things of heaven rather than the things of the world. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!