Why is it important for Christians to declare they seek a country?

For Christians, declaring that we seek a heavenly country is a vital aspect of our faith. It reflects our understanding that this world is not our ultimate home, as emphasized in Hebrews 11:14. By openly proclaiming our longing for heaven, we not only express the genuine transformation God has worked in our hearts, but we also set ourselves apart from the worldly mindset that values temporal pursuits. This declaration serves as a witness to others of our hope in Christ and helps us to encourage one another in faith. Paul encourages us in Philippians 3:20 that our citizenship is in heaven, and thus, the act of professing our heavenly aspirations reinforces our identity as children of God who await a better country, a city prepared for us by the Lord Himself.