Daily Encouragement: Day 235

From Handbook to Wisdom, Day 235

WE ARE PILGRIMS AND SOJOURNERS

Here I do not have an enduring city,
but I am seeking the city that is to come.
(Hebrews 13:14)

As an alien and a stranger in the world,
I will abstain from fleshly lusts,
which war against my soul.
(1 Peter 2:11)

Life can be compared to a brief stay in a hotel. In some cases the hotel is a fleabag, and in others, there may be mints on the pillows and flowers on the table. But whatever the hotel’s rating, we are still living out of suitcases while we are there. And since we know it is not our home, we don’t concern ourselves with changing the decor, even if we dislike the curtains and wallpaper. God never intended room service to replace good home-cooked meals; it is a mistake to confuse hotel life with the glorious dwelling place He is preparing for those who know and love His Son.

Part of our problem is that God’s promises seem vague and distant—we have no memories of heaven. But He has given us His word that He will more than make it worth our while. “For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come” (Hebrews 13:14). If we remember that here we are sojourners, strangers, and aliens in exile, our priorities will begin to reflect those of Abraham who “was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:8–10).