Daily devotional, June 06, 2024 Out of this world
"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."
Hebrews 11:16
When hanging out with a group of people, one could immediately spot someone who has a different way of thinking or preferences than the rest of the group. Sometimes, even their ideas run contrary to what most are thinking. Hence, at times, people who think and act differently are considered “out of this world.” People who are not as considerate as others even call them “outcasts.”
As followers of Jesus, we should consider ourselves from “out of this world” too. In his letter to the Philippians, St. Paul the Apostle reminded early Christians that we are citizens of heaven and so we should conduct ourselves as so.
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,"
Philippians 3:20
What does this mean? We should not feel left out when we do not pursue the same things as others do. And that it is okay to be different from the rest because our priorities are different than theirs. In his first epistle, the apostle St. Peter reminded us that we are but travellers here on earth. It is just our temporary dwelling place hence we should not pursue earthly pleasures, instead live a godly life that encourages others to worship the one true God.
"Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."
1 Peter 2:11-12
St. Peter’s statement is somehow similar to St. Paul’s warning to early Christians to not conform to what the world dictates.
"Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things"
Philippians 3:17-19
And 2,000 years later, St. Paul’s description of worldly people still rings true. If we stop and take a look at what most people do nowadays, we could see them glorifying otherwise shameful things. They even fight for the right to do things that expressly violate the Lord’s commands. We also see them running wantonly after what will please their senses, regardless of its repercussions on their spiritual, physical, and even financial health.
As citizens of heaven, we are urged to not pursue the same things. We are meant to focus on living God-honoring lives as we start anew from the clean slate that God has given us when we surrendered our lives to Him.
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is yourlife appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.Put to death therefore what is earthly in you:sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry."
Colossians 3:2-5
So what should we be busy with? First we ought to not feel bad about being and thinking differently compared to others. We should focus on seeking God, following His will, and being faithful in both the little and big tasks that He has entrusted to us, while serving and loving others as He commanded us.
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Colossians 3:12-14
As parents we are not to conform our parenting style with the rest of the world. We should raise our children in accordance with biblical values. We should also assure our children that it is okay to want and pursue different things compared to their peers.
We should likewise not feel pressured about seeking worldly recognition, and instead press on towards the best inheritance and the crown waiting for us in Heaven.
"Therefore, preparing your minds for action,and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,"
1 Peter 1:13-15
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Colossians 3:1-17 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you live like a citizen of heaven or do you fully conform to the life here on earth?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for preparing a place for us, and giving us a new hope and a new life. I look forward to eternity with you, and I pray that while I am still here on earth, you could strengthen me to live like a citizen of heaven, pursuing a God-honoring life. Amen.
