When the housing Market collapsed in the US about 2008 it was a shock to everyone. Values collapsed to a level lower than the value of a large number of the homes and it resulted in many people losing their homes all over America. The stock market also collapsed and thousands lost their jobs. For many, there is still not much of a recovery.

In many of the poorer countries of the world, where their living conditions have always been much more basic they must have wondered at the anxiety and concerns of Americans. After all, they have so little to lose. When Jean was in the Philippines last year, just prior to the big Typhoon, she saw people,living in huts and tents with no running water or sanitation but surprising joy in The Lord. It would appear that our joy is not dependent on our home in this world.

Personally, I believe we should rejoice and be very thankful for all that God gives us, use it for Him and His people but at the same time realize this is not our home! Christians have a dual citizenship! The Bible says this in Hebrews 11:13-16 “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared for them a city”. Joy will fill it’s courts and the presence of Jesus will be there.

Paul wrote this, Col.3:3 “for you have died and your life is hid with Christ in God”. Friends, this is the worldview God has given us! We live down here and we are to be good citizens constantly reflecting the values of Christ and His Kingdom, while knowing that our Master, our Lord, our real country and our home are in heaven. Everything we do should reflect back on our Lord Jesus Christ and His kingdom. Jesus lives in us (Galatians 2:20) and will raise our eyes toward heaven, our real home. This should be a challenge every day. We are pilgrims here and everything belongs to Him. That should have an effect on my choices and how I see this very temporary life. May we live this witness in such a way that others will also wish to go there with us.

Pastor Terry