I'm only visiting this planet

For the follower of Jesus our primary allegiance and commitment is to God and God’s kingdom. We are citizens of God’s kingdom first.

And so it is interesting that Peter describes believers as “foreigners and exiles” in this world. (1 Peter 2:11)

Theologian, William Barclay, writes that the Greek words for “foreigners” and “exiles” used in the passage “describe someone who is only temporarily resident in a place and whose home is somewhere else.” Commenting on the 1 Peter 2:11 passage, Barclay also writes, “Christians are not permanent residents upon earth; they are on the way to the country which is beyond.” [God’s kingdom.]

With this passage of scripture in mind, an influential early Christian rock artist, a man named Larry Norman, titled one of his albums: “Only Visiting This Planet.” One of my friends in college played this album a lot on a device we called a “record player.” (The record player sat right next to the lava lamp which I stared at wistfully while wearing my platform shoes.)

Sometimes when this world seems to be even more chaotic, difficult, hurtful, crazy, evil, and far-from-God than usual, I remember that I’m only here temporarily. (I know, my “temporary” status—much like the record player and platform shoes—is very good news to some people.)

Hey believers? We are “only visiting this planet.” Our eternal home is with the Lord.

 

Only God's kingdom will last forever

 

Faithful to God even when it's not easy.

Chasing after the right thing

We Need To Be Connected To Jesus To Do Works of Significance For Jesus

Followers of Jesus have to remain connected to Him, available to Him and obedient to Him in order to accomplish the things which matter in God’s kingdom.

This is a reflection of the truth that we need His guidance, His wisdom, His presence and His strength. We can think of it this way: to accomplish works of significance for Jesus, we need Jesus.

Because of my pride, I occasionally think this way: my skills, my talents, my education, my experience, my extensive learning, my best thinking are the key factors in doing God’s work. And then as an afterthought I will acknowledge, “Oh yeah, Jesus might be helpful, too.”

The flaw in my thinking is so obvious when it is laid out in this way, right?

Jesus was talking with His disciples one time about doing the work of the kingdom and He put it like this: 

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5

Jesus Is Always Talking About Real Life

It is helpful to know that Jesus is always talking about real life. When we read or hear about the ideas He expressed; the challenges He issued; the truths He spoke understand that He means for these things to be lived. He is never, ever, talking about empty religious theories. He is always talking about being alive in God’s kingdom right here and right now!

We Were Designed To Be Engaged, Challenged, Active And Productive

I read this line yesterday…

“According to a 2005 report in the British Medical Journal, people who retire at fifty-five are 89 percent more likely to die in the ten years after retirement than those who retire at sixty-five. We need to be alive to stay alive, simple as that.” Bold, Diamandis and Kotler

We were designed by God to be engaged, challenged, active and productive, at every stage of life. I do not interpret this data to mean it is unhealthy to retire from a particular job, however, I do interpret it to mean it is unhealthy to retire from life. I think those of us who are followers of Jesus would interpret this to mean that even when we retire from our jobs we will still be alive and purposefully engaged in the work of God’s kingdom.

Doing God's Work... Is It Worth It?

In God’s kingdom we are meaningfully, joyfully, purposefully engaged in the work the King has called us to do. The King’s work is challenging but it is not burdensome. And His work is always good and right. It is work that matters. The work the King calls us to do is of eternal consequence.

Because of the nature of the world, however, the King’s work will not always be recognized as good and right.

It bothers me that God’s work is not always understood to be good. Frankly, it probably bothers me more than it should. I want “good” to be perceived as “good.” In my mind this is how the world is supposed to work. How could “good” be perceived as “bad,” and “bad” be perceived as “good?” That’s crazy! What kind of world is this?!?

But human history shows us this will happen.

(The Bible told us this would occur, as well.)

I have to admit on occasion there is a thought that enters my mind. The thought goes something like this: “Since people will often not recognize the work of God as something good maybe it would be easier to just stop doing it. Why bother? Why risk the hassle? People don’t get it anyhow.”

Please understand, I’m not saying this is good thinking. I’m not proud of these kinds of thoughts, I’m simply admitting there are times in which they come to mind.

Fortunately, God—through the Holy Spirit—provides encouragement, help, grace, good counsel, inspiration and strength. And it is possible to keep on going. And I’m not talking about continuing on with a sense of despair, rather we continue on with a sense of joy and victory.

I write these words to encourage you and to encourage me. Let us keep doing what God has called us to do. Let us remain faithful because He is faithful. Let the King find us happily, productively engaged in His work—in kingdom work! Serving the King won’t always be popular, but it is always right and it is worth it all!

Don't Worry Who Gets The Credit

When we’re trying to accomplish good things for God’s kingdom, it’s helpful to the cause if we don’t care who gets the attention, credit and accolades.  “It's not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What's important is that God makes the seed grow.” – Apostle Paul, 1 Corin. 3:7

Coming Alive In God's Kingdom

To be alive in God’s kingdom is to live in the reign and rule of God.  A subject of God’s kingdom recognizes that God is king.  A subject of God’s kingdom acknowledges that what God says to do is what His subjects do.  Jesus spoke a lot about the “Kingdom of God,” and He taught that coming alive in God’s kingdom is a significant aspect of what it means to live effectively; to live righteously; and to live abundantly. 

Speaking The Language of God's Kingdom

Heard noted theologian, Bishop N.T. Wright, speak a while ago.  He said, love is the language we will speak in God’s coming kingdom.  But we can learn to speak it now.  I really liked that line.  “Love” is the language of God’s kingdom.  Here’s a good question for us:  are we becoming more and more fluent in God’s language?

Life In God's Kingdom Involves People

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Scripture:  Colossians 3:15-17