August 17: MOVING ALONG

One of the characteristics of our society is mobility. My wife and I recently had dinner with a widow living in a rural community. The unusual thing about it was that she was living in the same house she had been born in 74 years ago. Her mother and grandmother had lived there also. What a rarity!
Most people move many times in their lives. This mobility presents some challenges and opportunities but it has some hazards as well. Some people refuse to make “close” friends or develop meaningful relationships because they cannot stand the pain of parting. Some develop a sense of mistrust about all people because they do not allow themselves to trust anyone. Some have trouble identifying themselves because they have no roots or sense of belonging.
Mobility could force us to do some positive things, like learning how to get to know people quickly. The mobile person should learn to take the initiative in meeting people.
Christians have a built-in advantage in this area as they find immediate acceptance and help in a local church body. In many denominations churches even give letters of introduction to aid this process.
In the Bible, Hebrews 11:13ff describes Christians as people who have a sense of mobility that gives them freedom to live out their faith anywhere. “They admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.”
Since the Christian’s ultimate destination is Heaven, he or she always knows that they will move at least one more time. 1 Peter 1:17 challenges the believers with the idea that since you call God your father and you expect to see him someday, live your life in awe of him as a sojourner or traveler.
A strong faith in the Lord can give you real stability, regardless of how often you move.

“Lord, the song says that this world is not my home and I am just passing
through. Help me spread the message of Jesus in each place I stop. Amen”