Christian Homesickness

     It's that time of year yet again; as there are many times a year and for various reasons people of all ages get homesick.  Mine began October 1st, 1972.  Yep, a long time ago.  The first sentence alludes to people moving away, getting into college, going to summer camp and the likes.  Mine refers to being homesick to be with Jesus.  That's what Christian Homesickness is all about.  Once we surrender to Jesus our whole life, we are no longer past focused but rather future focused.  With our eyes no longer focused on the world around us we can focus on Jesus.  There is no heaven on earth.  Sorry to burst some peoples bubbles but, it's true.  This is the world where Satan reigns.  Heaven is in the heart of the Christian and renders us totally focused on the future with Jesus when we return home.  That's what separates worldly focused Christians and heavenly focused Christians.  Which one are you?
      EVERY homesickness of the world is meant to draw you back to the past.  EVERY homesickness of heaven is meant to draw you to that time when you, the true Christian, will go home.  There is no in between.  We serve one or the other.  That is the Biblical fact.  For some the old adage "They are so heavenly minded they are no earthly good!" rings true.  What makes the difference?  I'll tell you in a bit.  Maybe you've bought into the lie that Christian ministry is only for those who are called to do same.  It's a lie.  Maybe you believe that "doing your part" is all that is needed.  Perhaps you've ascribed to the belief that it's okay to skid into heaven by the skin of your teeth.  Welcome to hell people.  The difference (mentioned above) is found in whether you really believe the great commission.  It's the world's nightmare as no one is excluded.  Doesn't matter you sex, age, place in the community, etc.  WHEN you decide running your life is only leading you to eternity in hell and surrender your whole life to Jesus (we are saved by his blood, his work, and his grace) you and I become dead to self and the world and Christ becomes alive in us.  At that precise moment you become a sojourner in a world wh6ere you don't belong.  Then you are a homesick to see Jesus.
     I don't belong to a physical church on the corner of be a member and give us your money.  I don't belong to any group that practices legalism in any form.  I don't associate with any TV evangelist who takes from the poor for his or her personal wealth.  Jesus wouldn't belong.  The Word says he fulfilled ALL of the law and brought freedom to those who seek to have life!  He didn't tell his early church to have a membership or monitor the tithing.  He said:  "Go forth making disciples of all mankind.  Feed the hungry, care for the widow and orphan and proclaim the Gospel to all.  THAT is the sign of a true Christian.  You either are or are not.  You can be worldly homesick and show you don't know Jesus or you can be heavenly homesick and live Christ to the world.  Remember, it's always your choice.