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“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:20

As I sit down to write this, I’m actually taking a respite from unpacking boxes and trying to figure out—once again—what we really need and where we should put it all. You see, over my 26-year marriage, we have lived in three states, nine towns, and—seriously—16 addresses. (And, nope, not military…just crazy.) Our homes have varied widely, from an 1890 Victorian minor’s cottage in Colorado to new construction in Virginia—and assorted era styles in between!

The funny thing is that every time we found a new place, we’d fall in love and think, “This is it! Our forever home!” And then some years later, we’d move on (for different “reasons” but always in an effort to listen to the Holy Spirit…that’s another story altogether). What we thought was permanent turned out to be merely temporary. We weren’t there to stay—we were just passing through. Plus, every time we start packing up to go, we lighten our load, giving away what we once thought was indispensable. Our grasp on “stuff” has gotten looser and looser.

Sisters, God’s Word tells us we should have this same mindset as we walk through this world. We are temporary residents here, just passing through (1 Peter 2:11; Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 13:14). As believers, our ultimate home is in heaven, and the Lord wants us to keep our eyes on that destination. We are not to be conformed to the world (Romans 12:2), getting all cozy in the ways of the flesh.

The fact that we are sojourners here can also help us to lighten our grasp on the things of this world. We are exhorted to not love our “stuff” and make idols of it. Even Jesus warns us that we can’t serve money and God—being mastered by both is impossible (Matthew 6:24). But the “things of this world” go beyond home baubles, big toys, and bank accounts. It’s also the intangibles of culture that can keep us abiding in the wrong place. This is especially true today, when so many are looking to social media for affirmation, joining the various mob mentalities for acceptance, and even depending on the government and politics for salvation. (Satan is loving every minute of this, for sure.)

Christians, we are citizens of heaven, awaiting our Savior, who will transform our broken, sin-inclined selves and usher us into our true forever Home (Philippians 3:20-21). No matter how much “everything is falling apart” here, we should expect it, because the Bible tells us it will! But while we are here, our purpose is to serve and glorify God by loving others and sharing the gospel with them. We must ensure that, regardless of how many states, cities, or homes someone has lived in, that they’re ready for their ultimate relocation.

“Lord, help me hold on loosely to all the things of this world, staying focused on You—and sharing the Truth with others that this is not our home.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life