The Ticket You Can't Afford to Lose

by Brittney Chan

“For our (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” 

Philippians 3:20

If you’ve ever traveled overseas, you know the amount of preparation it takes before you ever set foot on the plane. The planning is layered and intentional. There are vaccines to schedule, accommodations to confirm, supplies to gather, and travel documents to secure. There’s a checklist for everything, and each task is vital to ensure a safe and smooth journey.

I was reminded of this all over again during my recent trip to Africa, where I was blessed to begin my occupational therapy career through a medical mission trip to Senegal. Perhaps I’ve grown into a bit of a seasoned traveler, but one thing remains constant no matter where I go: I always take extra precautions to protect certain things, especially my passport.

We spent long days serving in a church-turned-clinic, rearranging the plastic chairs and transforming yoga mats into treatment spaces. Each of us was given a fanny pack - in true 80’s fashion - to carry our most essential tools. Alongside my documentation supplies and a few daily necessities, there was one item I guarded above all others: my passport. It never left my side. I checked for it constantly, making sure it was tucked securely away, safe and sound.

Later that week, one of our team members thought she had lost her wallet, and we all began retracing steps and checking bags. In the midst of our searching, another therapist mentioned that she’d been leaving her identification cards back at the house where we were staying. I gently replied that some things are simply too valuable to leave behind. Losing something so essential wouldn’t just be inconvenient. It could cause major complications, like the stress and anxiety that come from being stranded and unable to prove who you are.

I guarded that passport with such diligence because it represented who I was and where I belonged. No matter how much I love being on the mission field, there is nothing quite like the moment the landing wheels of your return flight touch down safely back on American soil. It’s like there’s an instant sense of peace, and you know, “I’m home!” 

And at some point during the trip, this thought crossed my mind: Do I protect my salvation with the same level of intentionality and care as I do my passport?

How easily we can overlook the importance of protecting what truly matters—both in traveling and in our walk with Christ. Our relationship with Jesus is infinitely more precious than any document or possession, yet the distractions, pressures, and fears of life can so easily pull our focus away from Him.

In the unfortunate event that I ran into trouble while I was in Africa, I had already determined to be ready to give up any tangible thing I had. You could have taken my phone, my money, even my camera—but I would never let go of my passport without a fight!

It made me wonder: How often do we hold tightly to friendships, habits, or relationships that might be endangering our spiritual integrity, yet fail to fight that fiercely for our salvation? Do we guard our “spiritual passport” - our relationship with Christ - with that same watchfulness and care?

Because one day, this life’s journey will reach its final destination, and the only thing that will grant us entry won’t be our accomplishments, our good deeds, or even our ministry experience. It will be our relationship with Jesus, our spiritual passport, stamped and sealed by His blood.

So keep it close. Protect it, treasure it, and live like you’re ready for the trip Home. Because our true citizenship isn’t of this world; it’s in Heaven.