Connections: Hometowns and Heaven

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received" (Ephesians 4:1)

“They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.”  (John 17:16)

It never ceases to amaze me that some people spent their entire childhood in one house, in one town, in one state. As a military brat, I lived in (of those I can remember) 8 different houses in 5 states and one foreign country. While I loved my transient life, I do envy those sedentary people one thing: the ease with which they answer the question, “Where are you from?” The long, stumbling, multi-part answer that ensues when someone directs that question my way usually tells the listener more about my parents than me.

In fact, if I responded without the luxury of knowing their hometowns, and their childhoods, my answer would shrink to two words:

“Not here.”

Most people guess as much. My accent, my style, or my demeanor usually tips them off in some small way. They instinctively know: I am a foreigner.

As Christians, we’re foreigners to this world. We don’t belong here. And the Bible holds that what we do, what we say, and how we behave should reflect that. With regards to the way I live, an onlooker should say to him/herself, “You know, there’s something different about that guy” as surely as they notice the lack of a Southern drawl in the way I speak.

We've been sanctified by Christ, set aside for His special use. We're here to serve a higher purpose. And if we're indistinguishable from those who don’t, we have failed Him.

Jesus said to us, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)

Strive to show this love above all as you celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Meditation on Christian Living: Missionaries and Priests

You may never have been sent abroad to minister, but you have a mission.

You may never have been ordained, but you have a congregation.

Love God. Bring His children to Him. All followers of Christ bear the same commission, whether seminary graduates or high school dropouts. We all have the same commandments to keep, too—and God judges us all with unsettling equality.

We are called to serve Him in our immediate community. Since when did that call apply only if you live in a developing country? And since when, I ask, do the responsibilities of being a Christian only apply to those wearing a robe and speaking before a crowd on Sundays?

Your mission is to bear his gospel through your thoughts, words, and actions.

And your congregation is greater than you think. Your friends, and your enemies. Your classmates, and your coworkers. Your teachers, and your students. Your parents, and your children.

Spread the Word.

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received" (Ephesians 4:1)