Some of us recall the catchy beat, the familiar harmony of the old hymn--made even sweeter when sung with a slight Southern twang, and the message that hearkened us heavenward: “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing thru. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue; The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door, And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.”
I still like the tune, and heaven has not lost any of its appeal, but I’m through singing that this world is not my home. I live here. I work here. My family and friends are here. I enjoy the natural beauty of this world and I benefit from many of the improvements and advances. This world is my home. I should settle in, know my neighbors, try not to take the planet for granted, and, in general, make the whole world a place that feels a lot like home. I won’t smugly snub my nose at this wonderful gift God has provided. I’ll express my gratitude by being fully present and deeply engaged while I’m here.
How do I act when I’m at home? On my best days, I love and serve others there. We eat and laugh and rest and play when we’re home. We even worship there. We say things like “There are no strangers here, only friends we haven’t met.” I care for my home and tend to necessary repairs and upkeep. My home reflects my identity and interests and priorities. My home is an extension of me. It’s important to me. It won’t last forever. But for now, it’s where I live. This world is my home, until I leave it.
So, why do we feel the need to bash the world? Why are we inclined to draw lines that divide, creating chasms between “us” and “them”? What do we gain by distancing and detaching ourselves from the world and 99% of the people, who are all created in the image of God? Maybe we would be more effective in loving our neighbors if we spent less time being anxiously afraid of them, rashly judging them, and spent more time knowing them, enjoying them, learning from them, and living in peace with them.
We are not placed on this earth to miserably and impatiently bide our time until we finally get out of here. Abundant life is lived here. The deepest loves are loved here. The most meaningful experiences are experienced here, in this world. Why not find ways to fully and richly make it our home while we live here?
We are God’s ambassadors in the world He created. How can we be ambassadors if we act as if we don’t even like the place and we don’t particularly care for most of the people who live here? Surely, God expects us to be good to His world and kind to each other.
I may be just passing through this world, but that’s no excuse to diminish it or destroy it.
I can lay up treasures somewhere beyond the blue and still feel at home in this world. In fact, really living in this world may be the best way to bring a little heaven on earth.
Dennis Lynn
