A TEMPORARY PLACE
Before having kids I worked as a prosecuting attorney for several years. For the most part, I enjoyed my job. I liked courtroom litigation as opposed to doing a “desk job”, and I found criminal and constitutional law to be very interesting. However, there were also a lot of things about my job that I praise God I don’t have to do anymore. My job was highly confrontational and, the truth is, neither party is seeking justice, but each party is just trying to win his or her own case. As such, I would lose my temper during negotiations, get easily angered or offended by opposing counsel, and become frustrated by incorrect rulings from judges. Then after I got pregnant, I gave my notice that I was going to leave to become a stay-at-home mom. Everything changed after that. I didn’t get mad when negotiations remained at a standstill, I didn’t take offense by accusations from opposing counsel, and I was no longer bothered by rulings that went against my case. I knew that job was only temporary, and I had something greater awaiting me.
Are you living like you believe this world is only temporary and you have something greater awaiting you? Or do you seek your best life here and now?
“These people all died controlled and sustained by their faith…all the while acknowledging and confessing that they were strangers and temporary residents and exiles upon the earth…they were yearning and aspirating to a better and more desirable country, that is a heavenly one. For that reason God is not ashamed to be called their God.” Hebrews 11:13-16 AMPC
In Hebrews 11, the Apostle Paul explains that our faith is demonstrated by our hope for our heavenly home. Awaiting our heavenly home with hope means we must endure affliction, persecution, trials, and suffering for His name’s sake with peace and joy in our hearts.
“Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mocking and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented – of whom the world was not worthy.” Hebrews 11:35-38 NKJV
Many men and women of God have endured horrible suffering from which they could have been delivered if they had only denied their faith in Jesus. But they knew they would obtain a better resurrection if they remained in Christ.
We will not be able to reach our heavenly home if we remain attached to the things of this world. Choose “to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.” Hebrews 11:25 NKJV. Keep your mind fixed on the eternal rather than the earthly.
Are you harboring anger or bitterness towards someone who wronged you? Forgive or you will not be forgiven by the Father in Heaven. (Matthew 6:15)
Are you seeking and fulfilling your own plans and desires rather than doing the will of God? Die to yourself daily so you can serve and follow Him. (Luke 9:23)
Are you still choosing the passing pleasures of sin? Break free from that bondage in Jesus’ name and choose His grace to walk according to His commandments. (Galatians 5:24-25)
Are you clinging to the things of this world? Do not love this world or the things of this world. (1 John 2:15-17)
THIS WORLD IS NOT YOUR HOME.
Tiffany Gustafson
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