“For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.”
Romans 8:22-23 ESV
We live in a world where good and bad occur all around us. We hear good news everywhere – the success of people we know, good fortunes happening to our friends, and blessings we and others receive at different points in our lives. But we also hear bad news everywhere: war, famine, illness, disease, strife, disagreements, and more. Not only do we hear about bad news, but sometimes bad things also happen to us, including redundancy, injustice, financial hardship, misunderstandings, illnesses, suffering, and even death among family and friends. Often, we feel helpless when bad things happen to us. At the end of our lives, we all face the thing we fear most – death. No matter how much money, fame, recognition, or success we attain, we will all have to face our expiration date one day.
We also feel restlessness deep in our hearts – we enjoy good times with friends and family, find success in our work and studies, and accumulate assets here and there – but happiness and contentment last only for a little while. Nothing lasts forever, no matter how happy and satisfied we might be. Moreover, the most enjoyable meals we’ve had, the most incredible holidays we’ve experienced, and everything else we cherished, live on only in our memories. We can’t dwell on good thoughts and memories forever. Eventually, our recollections fade gradually, and we can’t even recall how good we felt during those times. Why can’t we be happy forever?
We are citizens of heaven
The reason is that we are not meant to be citizens of Earth. We are supposed to be citizens of heaven. [See Philippians 3:20] Our lives here on earth are only temporary. We are just short-term travellers in our lifetime. We are never truly satisfied with how things work here. That is why we receive a lot of bad news and experience bad things in life. That is also why the best joys we can have here on earth are only fleeting and not forever.
What we’re experiencing is eternal homesickness. Our longing to be happy and hear good news always stems from the truth that we were never meant to be here on Earth forever, at least not in its current state.
So, how do we live as exiles here on Earth and as citizens of heaven? First, we should know that the form of this world is passing away. We should not have any attachments to anything in this world, even good things, because one day we will have to give them up. We should not put our hope and trust in our riches but in the Lord, who will care for our needs. We should live our lives based on our heavenly citizenship, not on being earthly ones. It’s easy to be tempted by the ways of the world and the flesh, but let us cast them aside, for they should be foreign to us. Our manner of speaking and behaving should reflect our heavenly home. We should also invest in heavenly things by loving and serving those around us.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:19-21 ESV
“We should focus on heavenly things, too. Brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Philippians 4:8 ESV
Lastly, we should anticipate our eternal destiny – heaven. Let us look forward to coming home to heaven by visualising and contemplating what it would be like. Imagine having an immortal body. Imagine meeting all the saints and martyrs of the past, as well as family members and friends who have won the victor’s crown. Imagine a place with no more death, disease, pain, or sorrow. Imagine that at the centre of it all will be God, with whom we will walk forever and ever. Isn’t that something worth longing for and waiting for? Then, we will truly be at home – our lasting, satisfying, fulfilling, and perfect home.
Top image credit: Background abstract artwork from Bigstock.com. Used with permission. Quote from St. Augustine of Hippo added.
Tom Caballes is a National Coordinator of the Lamb of God, a community of the Sword of the Spirit with seven branches located throughout New Zealand. Tom and his wife Mhel and their two daughters [with his son-in-law and grand-daughter] live in Wellington, New Zealand.