Have you ever heard someone say of earth “this is not my home”? The main idea is that this world, with it’s struggles and frustrations, is only temporary – heaven then is said to be our permanent residence. While I understand wanting to feel this way and looking forward to what is surely to be better than the present, it is not necessarily correct. Today, I will take each breath and step on Earth, and therefore today, I am home. Jesus says: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). While Christ was always pointing to Himself and his Kingdom, he came so we could have something different within the confines of this gravity. Our time here shall be abundant and therefore important.
We must be careful of looking ahead. In Luke 12, we see a story of a rich man who builds and builds in order to store his crops and retire. Of course in true Jesus fashion, the man dies at the completion of his work, unable to enjoy neither his present nor future. His focus was on a time where he could relax, not work, and finally have peace. Think of the time wasted focused on that distant day. Ignored relationships, ignored responsibilities, even ignored pleasure for the day that would never come. It is the same as if someone would work toward retirement in a more sunny climate. Claiming residency in that zip code instead of the roller coaster climate in which they are called to would be a disaster.
Today, be present in your home, however temporary it may be. Yes, it is a blessing to think of the day where we indulge in the eternal presence of our eternal hope, but you are here today for a purpose. Let the dreams of your relocation only fuel your engagement with a world that needs you. Live passionately, love deeply, and breathe the air of your familiar space with a refined focus. This is your home, enjoy it.
Matt simon blog 