Archives
19:15:00 o'clock GMT
Feeling Quiet
We Are Aliens Here on Earth
I believe life on Earth is a temporary assignment!
To make the best of life, we must never forget two truths: First, compared with eternity, life is extremely brief. Second, Earth is only a temporary residence. We won't be here long, so don't get too attached.
Lets compare life on Earth to temporarily living in a foreign country. This is not our permanent home or final destination. We are just passing through, just visiting Earth. The Bible uses terms like alien, pilgrim, foreigner, stranger, visitor, and traveler to describe our brief stay on Earth.
In America many people from other lands work there although they are not citizens of the US. they require a "green card" which allows them to work there. Christians should carry spiritual green cards to remind them that their citizenship is in Heaven. Their identity is in eternity, and their homeland is in Heaven. If we realise this, we will stop worrying about "having it all" on Earth. When we flirt with the temptations of this world, God calls it spiritual adultery.
Imagine if you were asked by your country to be an ambassador to an enemy nation. You would probably have to learn a new language and adapt to some customs and cultural differences in order to be polite and to accomplish your mission. As an ambassador you would not be able to isolate yourself from the enemy. To fulfill your mission, you would have to have contact and relate to them. But suppose you became so comfortable with this foreign country that you fell in love with it, preferring it to your homeland. Your loyalty and commitment would change. Your role as an ambassador would be compromised. Instead of representing your homeland you would start acting like the enemy.
We are Christ's ambassadors. Because we live on Earth does not mean it's our home. It is not. So how should we react to what the Earth offers us? Those in frequent contact with the things of the Earth should make good use of them without becoming attached to them, for this world and all it contains will pass away.
The World offers so many things to us today in the way of entertainment We are amused and catered to with all sorts of fascinating attractions, mesmerising media and enjoyable experiences available. It is so easy to forget that the pursuit of happiness is not what life is about. Life is a test, a trust, and a temporary assignment. We are preparing for something better.
The fact that life is not our ultimate home, explains why, as followers of Jesus we experience difficulty, sorrow, and rejection in the world. In order to keep us from becoming too attached to Earth, God allows us to feel a significant amount of discontent and dissatisfaction in life. We are not completely happy here because we're not supposed to be!
A story is told of a retiring missionary coming home to America on the same boat as the president of the United States. Cheering crowds, a military band, a red carpet, banners, and the media welcomed the president home, but the missionary slipped off the ship unnoticed. Feeling self-pity and resentment, he began complaining to God. Then God gently reminded him, "But my child, you're not home yet."
We will be in Heaven two seconds before we cry out, "Why did I place so much importance on things that were so temporary?
Written by sidneyrynr Blog about this entry |
Add to del.icio.us | 
digg this
-
Todd,
What you wrote today is so true. I notice you chose to end with a quote by Rick Warren. Our minister is going to be introducing "40 days of purpose" in February, and our small study groups will be reading "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. There will be readings to do every day as well as scripture verses to memorize. We're really looking forward to it. The objective is to have as many people come to Christ as possible. I look forward to reading more from you. Take care.
Geralyn
18/01/07 16:18
I came by after your wife Marie posted the link. Interesting viewpoint. But I think that we are of this earth actually. I think it is our only residence and that we should look after it better so that our children will inherit a quality environment to live in. Although we humans don't live very long there is a lot that we can do to make our lives here worthwhile and secure the future for those who come after us.
Kate.
http://journals.aol.co.uk/bob