By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going … for he waited for [focused on] the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. (Hebrews 11:8, 10)
As a Christ follower, I must stay focused on what matters regardless of the current worldly chaos and distractions.
On a recent vacation trip, I drove through the town of Shelby, North Carolina. Please understand, that I bear no malice to the town or anyone who lives there. Nor is this meant as disparaging in any way. It’s simply one of those “in-the-moment” life lessons the Holy Spirit whispered to me.
My ultimate destination was the mountains of Gatlinburg, TN to meet up with other family members. The route outlined by my techno-map app clearly revealed the journey and my arrival time. What it didn’t factor in was the “Shelby delay.”
After miles of interstate speed, I found myself on a clogged roadway with multiple traffic lights, stores on both sides and heavy congestion. Mind you, it’s a cute town with many shops, restaurants, and businesses close at hand. It’s all quite convenient IF that is the destination. But for those who are “passing through,” it can be rather frustrating.
Lessons Learned
While irritated with the cost of time, unfairness of life, and the need for a huge interstate overpass, the Holy Spirit nudged me with several truths.
First, my impatience and anger were undeserved. If I had done better research, I could have determined a different route that was faster and less congested. Or I could have stopped to shop and catch a quick bite and join in the local “fun.”
Second, the Shelby residents and tourist shoppers had every right to be there and conduct their lives, regardless of the passing-through traffic. In fact, they may have resented the fact that passing-through traffic was delaying and frustrating them.
Most importantly though, was the underlying message of staying focused on what matters. I was on vacation, headed to an ultimate destination of rest and enjoyment, with other family members. My time in Shelby was “passing through.” I had no desire to stop, shop, or become distracted from my ultimate goal.
This World is Not our Home
This life is a spiritual journey with countless physical enjoyments, attractions, and distractions. We can shop, eat, engage in conversation, whatever. But behind it all is the reality that we are just passing through. For Christ-followers, we are passing through on our way to the city “whose builder and maker is God.” As we interact in the daily physical realm, may we ever be conscious of the spiritual realm.
Instead of getting distracted by this world, its cheap trinkets, expensive time-wasters, and immoral entertainment, may we, “Arise and depart, for this is not your rest; because it is defiled” (Micah 2:10). Instead of trying to fit into this world’s system, let’s, “’Come out from among them and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you’” (2 Corinthians 6:17).
Instead of wrapping our hearts and minds around this world’s journey-stoppers, may we “desire a better, that is, a heavenly country … for He [God] has prepared a city for them” (Hebrews 11:16). As Christ-followers, let’s always keep in mind, “Here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come” (Hebrews 13:14). Yes, we’re living here, but may our hearts’ desire be for the hereafter.
On our journey through this life, may we keep one eye on the sky and the other on “Occupy” (Luke 19:13). Let’s eagerly anticipate and be encouraged for God’s soon-coming kingdom. “You have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant” (Hebrews 12:22-24).
Jesus is coming soon! This journey eventually ends. Eternity awaits. Let’s stay focused on what truly matters.
Concepts taken from Nate’s new book, Called to Christlikeness, not Christianity. Purchase here.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Nate Stevens.
Featured Image by Helmut Strasil from Pixabay
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