As I write, I am babysitting our youngest grandchild while his parents close on their first home. Packed in a one-bedroom apartment with a baby for the past 8 months, the two of them are eager to move! Soon they’ll start preparing the new house for their growing family. No doubt, they are excited with anticipation.
This reminded me of something Jesus said: In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also (John 14:2-3)
How many of us look forward to that, and how many of us are content to just stay where we are (on multiple levels)? Our current state, in comparison, may be like a crowded, cluttered, one-bedroom apartment, but it’s familiar—and, in that way, comfortable.
Lest you think I am speaking just of going to heaven, I am not. I’m thinking more broadly—moving forward with Jesus, embracing all He has for you in this life. In the big scheme of things, you won’t be here long. Psalm 144:4 describes the brevity of our time here: Man is like a mere breath; his days are like a passing shadow.
Having passed the first half of life and then some, I am much more aware of time’s unceasing march. I now hear a drumbeat different than that of the world. Can you hear it? I want to encourage you to listen for it, too—regardless of your stage of life.
For believers, eternal life has already started. Yes, you’ll eventually exit your body, but your spirit, the real you, is already joined to Christ (1 Corinthians 6:17). You have a new nature and are no longer of this world (2 Corinthians 5:17, John 15:19). You’re part of an army that’s been commissioned to continue what Jesus started on earth—loving people, spreading the gospel, destroying the works of the devil, being led by the Spirit, and bringing His life wherever you go.
When preparing to move, you go through your stuff, deciding what to keep and what to discard. Though not anticipating a physical move, I am in that decluttering process now. Excited about what Jesus has in store, I want to travel the rest of my journey light and unencumbered (physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually), fully available to Him, like the original disciples who dropped their nets and followed without a second thought.
If you are at the accumulation stage of life, I encourage you to reduce the clutter. Ask God what you need. Don’t fill your life with distractions and stuff. Listen to Jesus: “For not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). A good soldier doesn’t get entangled in the things of this world but remembers his mission (2 Timothy 2:4). Don’t allow cares of this world to choke out the Word or to strangle you with worry (Mark 4:19). God has amazing things for you right now. All He needs is your full attention so He can share them with you!
Hi J.B., my brother in CHRIST!
Thank you so much for sharing this. Your message has touched me at the right time. I have reached a point in my life where my focus and intention have switched to a totally different target. I have realized that most of my life purpose was influenced by means that didn’t come from inside me. As I dig more in the word of our FATHER, I start discovering new purpose and meaning of my life. At this point, it’s still unclear, but I am willing to pack my stuff and move with HIM. I have realized that our life on this earth is so short, and distraction is the hidden sin that destroys our real purpose on earth. Thus, I am willing to maximize my remaining time to fulfill our FATHER’s purpose on earth. I will call this first move Awareness! Looking to be more aware of HIS voice and act each second according to HIS will.
Thanks again for sharing, and I am looking forward to reading more from you!
Warmly,
Reagan.
Great personal insights, Reagan! So often we allow our life direction to be influenced by external sources. And the enemy knows all he has to do is keep us distracted for 70-80 years and the game’s up. Love the way you described your first move as Awareness, and praying you become more and more aware of His presence, love, grace and voice each day!
I am not moving homes, but moving jobs/careers and this message spoke to me in that I need to declutter my thoughts and expectations (as well as my office) so that I can give God my full attention on where He wants me next!
It’s interesting how our physical surroundings can affect our thoughts and vice versa. Thanks for sharing, Colleen!