Roughing It Here on Earth

I have never been a big fan of camping, at least the hardcore kind in tents and stuff. My idea of roughing it is staying at a hotel without free wireless access. I much rather prefer the safety and comfort of a more permanent structure.

However, consider what Hebrews 11, known as the Bible's Hall of Faith, records concerning Abraham:

By faith he made his home in the Promised Land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. – Hebrews 11:9-10

Even after Abraham arrived in the Promised Land, he lived as though the arrangement was temporary. He didn't build permanent structures and set deep roots because he had his eyes set on eternity when he would live in the place God prepared for him in eternity.

Notice, that kind of perspective does not come naturally – Abraham lived by faith. Naturally, we tend to make our earthly existence as comfortable and pleasurable as possible. We tend to live as if this life is all there is. We need no faith – or at least very little faith at all – to pour our time, attention, and affection into our earthly existence. We really need not even give it a second thought since seeking to fulfill the here and now comes so naturally for us.

We spend our time, energies, and attention working jobs, acquiring things, making a name or a life for ourselves at the expense of things eternal. When our pursuits, pleasures, and plans take precedence over God in our lives, we have moved out of the tents and into our own especially designed and personally constructed palaces.

But consider instead the alternative so clearly described by Paul:

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is you life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. – Colossians 3:1-4

Let's not get so earthbound that we forget we are temporary residents here on Planet Earth. Since we are believers in Jesus, our ultimate home awaits us in heaven and is far, far better than any we could possibly construct here on earth (John 14:1-3).

Let's not get so caught up on earthly things. I once heard a quote I will never forget: Never hold in your heart what you can hold in your hand. One day we will leave behind all we have collected throughout our earthly existence. Awaiting us in heaven will be those rewards we "sent on ahead" when we invested our earthly time and resources in building God Kingdom. Take the time to read God's Word and to pray. Encourage others in their walk with the Lord. Share your faith. Better yet, MODEL it.

So I am, in an eternal sense, roughing it here on planet earth. I will gladly view this life as temporary and I will long more and more everyday to see the glory of heaven.