In it... not of it

The topic of earthly matters came up recently in a spirited discussion involving the role of God’s children. With all that’s going on around the globe, it’s not hard to see clear evidence that the planet is growing darker by the day. We know clinging to God in trying times offers the most security and peace, but the Father has different plans (Matthew 28:19-20), leading us out into the throngs of fallen saints and sinners where grace is most needed. He wants us to share His truth, bring hope to the hopeless and take the Light to all corners of creation until the lost are found (Romans 1:16). While it may be far easier and less painful to retreat to the sanctity of the Bible itself, making ourselves aware of the world around us, while standing firm and not succumbing to its temptations and evils, should be our personal crusade. The playground bully found strength through intimidation, instilling fear and threatening harm… until the point at which the weaker chose to no longer be pushed around. By standing up and facing the enemy (Acts 1:8), the inevitable confrontation, where calm words met unfounded anger and misdirected hostility, was never as dangerous as assumed. Jesus came to save His people, so we are compelled by his example to be involved. True, we are not like the world, but we can love it.

Photographs and memories

When it comes to moving or relocation, the ever-exhausting exercise always elicits mixed emotions. “Out with the old” takes on new meaning as earthly possessions are painstakingly packed in preparation for the sojourn to new surroundings. Of course, the inevitable questions arise – does this stay or go? Keep or toss? Do we really need something we haven’t touched or much less thought about since the last move (insert applicable number here) years ago? Close inspection of every box reveals another chapter of life’s history lived, another mile of the journey passed (Judges 18:6). An antique heirloom reminds you of an elderly relative. A dusty yearbook recalls a cherished high-school or college friendship. An old picture, its image faded and edges torn, captures a more innocent time, now fondly revisited. Each piece speaks to the moment in which it happened, allowing us to stop and remember the long ago as lovingly as we might the past weekend (Psalm 16:11). These visualizations are safely stowed away in our minds, yet may easily be forgotten unless we actively work to keep them firmly rooted in our consciousness. Such is the picture we must maintain of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:2) -- arms open, hands upheld and eyes on Heaven, calling his children to join him. In doing this, we’re already prepared for our final move… to the place He has promised.