Where do Christians belong?

We all find ourselves in circumstances that make us uncomfortable or cause us to feel out of place. No one fits into every circle, and no one agrees with everyone else. When we find ourselves in those uncomfortable moments, it is good to remember Paul’s words: “our citizenship is in heaven.” We shouldn’t be surprised to realize that we don’t always feel at home here on earth.

Christians mature, both physically and spiritually. Priorities change and usually become more like the Lord’s. Our values shift from those of the world around us to things we will value eternally.

Many in our culture are fighting for the right to do wrong. They disagree with our values because they believe this life is the only life they will ever have and they want to make it whatever they want it to be. We can watch the evening news and feel like strangers in our own cities. We want things to be like they once were, but that can never be true. Time and cultures are always moving forward. That is how God planned it.

The Apostle Paul rarely felt at home. He was a Roman citizen but didn’t fit the Roman culture. He described himself as a “Pharisee of Pharisees” (Philippians 3:5) but was persecuted by those in the synagogues. Paul spent his life and ministry establishing churches and helping their members learn to “get along.”

Paul knew where he belonged. His citizenship was in heaven. Christians shouldn’t be surprised to feel that same way. We don’t feel at home in our cities any more than Paul felt at home in Rome. We don’t even feel at home in every church. No place on earth is completely perfect.

Every Christian is a foreigner in this world because we have placed our citizenship in heaven. We are waiting to see our “Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” face-to-face. Christians belong in heaven. Our mansion in glory is the first place we will feel truly and completely home. Our time on earth is simply our journey there. The scenery changes and our paths go through hills and valleys. And, while most days are warm and bright, there are also storms.

God is moving us forward because he wants us home, with him. That is how Jesus lived on earth. He is the model for our own faith, and he defines the pathway for our eternal relationship with God.

Jesus lived on earth but was never a citizen of the earth. We shouldn’t be surprised when we feel like we don’t belong to this world. Because of Jesus, we no longer do. Our lives have great value, and we should enjoy our journey, but we shouldn’t expect to feel at home until we get there. We belong to God and with God.