By Pamela Rose Williams
Some times you just have to step back and remember “in light of eternity …” our present day trials are so small. Today’s little passage comes not long after a well-known passage contained in this same chapter of Philippians. It is that place where Paul talks about pressing toward the prize (Phil 3:14) In context, Paul is reminding the church at Philippi that they have much to look forward to in heaven. He reminds them (and us) that we will be changed. “Our vile body” will be changed to be as that of Jesus. Praise Him for that! I will not miss this body one bit.
As I mentioned above, Paul says earlier in the chapter: Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:13-14) He is not looking back, he is looking forward. His example is one that we should heed, especially on those days when everything seems to be going wrong.
You know what kind of day I am talking about — we have all had them. It might all start out with achy, tired muscles when you finally roll out of bed. Then you seem not to be able to complete any task that you put your hands to. The kids are sick, the car won’t start, the internet is down and you can not get information that you need to complete your at-home (or away from home) job, or maybe you received some news when a friend from church just called to share that one of your church families has suffered a tragedy. These are the times when you need to look forward — draw nigh unto God. These are the times that I put on some positive Christian music.
“This world is not my home, I’m just a passin’ through” … reminds me of a great gospel hymn. Enjoy the video below performed by Lifelong Music.
I believe this is exactly what Paul is speaking of when he says that our conversation is in heaven. When we accept Jesus as our Saviour we gain new citizenship. As we grow in Christ the things of this world should start looking and feeling wrong or uncomfortable to us. The great news is that no matter how bad our day is, we can look forward to our perfect home in heaven.
While we are here we must endure those things that come with living in a fallen world. But our hope is in heaven. Sometimes you just gotta sing:
O Lord You know I have no friend like You
If heaven’s not my home then Lord what will I do
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home in this world any more
Things to Think About and Do
1. Choose at least 3 positive Christian songs and listen to them today.
2. Find at least one Bible verse that talks about drawing near to God.
3. Read and meditate upon these related Scriptures: John 14:2; 1 Corinthians 15:50-52; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Titus 1:1-2;1 Peter 1:3
Words and music to “This World is Not My Home” by Albert E. Brumley
