Of course, it’s only natural to try to make ourselves at home wherever we go. And there is some value here as it allows us to still thrive when we’re away from home. But we only frustrate ourselves when we expect too much. We’re resident aliens in this world and it’s good to remember this often.
As resident aliens we live, work, and raise our families in this world, but we remain the true citizens of heaven. As such, our identity, worldview, and ultimate allegiance are anchored in Christ and not the things of this life.
But it’s easy to forget this as we navigate daily life.
We’re relational to our core and quickly adapt to those around us – adopting their cares, concerns, and values. And this is not generally a problem unless it causes us to forget or otherwise deny our true loyalty to God.
For instance, of course we become involved in our neighborhoods and faithfully work to make our society a better place. While we’re foreigners here we’re also called to be ambassadors – representing the life and love of God through our daily lives. And this requires us to actively participate in the world around us. But we must not lose ourselves as we do so.
We lose ourselves when the cares and concerns of this life cause us to live under the crushing weight of fear and despair – anxiously looking to the wisdom of this world to bring us life and growing increasingly hopeless when it inevitably lets us down.
As citizens of heaven, our life and values will often be at odds with the majority of those around us. But our hope is not found in public opinion polls, passing certain laws, or whoever happens to occupy various offices of authority.
To be sure, these things are not irrelevant as they help us to understand our times and be better prepared to serve our generation. But, in the end, this world is not our home and our life is not dependent on the smaller stories of this life.
Be faithful to the time and place given to you and work diligently for the good of all those around. But don’t be surprised when others see you as a bit odd because you’re a resident alien here and your true citizenship is in heaven.
Photo by awar kurdish on Unsplash
