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13 All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. 14 Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own.
*Hebrews 11.12-13, NLT
11Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world [or, on the day of visitation].
*I Peter 2.11-12, NLT
A spiritual Teacher arrived at the front door of the King's palace. A servant led him to where the King sat on his throne. "What do you want?" inquired the King, immediately recognizing the visitor. "I would like a place to sleep in this inn," replied the Teacher. "This is not an inn," said the King, "it is my palace." "May I ask who owned the palace before you?" "My father." “Where is he?” “He has passed on.” "And who owned it before your father" "My grandfather." “Where is he?” “He has passed on, also.” "And this place where people live a short time and move on, did I hear you say that it is not an inn?"
One travels more lightly, when she realizes she is just passing through. Indeed, we all share one thing in common: we are each passing through.
Some turn life into a pilgrimage and, thereby, this earthy trek becomes a beautiful, awe-filled, sacred, and hopeful pilgrimage. In this, we see the difference between being alive and living.
*OneLife writings are offered by Brian K. Wilcox, a United Methodist pastor serving in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. He writes in the spirit of John Wesley's focus on the priority of inner experience of the Triune God; scriptural holiness; ongoing sanctification; the goal of Christian perfection (or, wholeness). Brian seeks to integrate the best of the contemplative teachings of Christianity East and West, from the patristic Church to the present. Brian lives a vowed contemplative life with his two dogs, Bandit Ty and St. Francis, in North Florida. OneLife writings are for anyone seeking to live and share love, joy, and peace in the world and in devotion to God as she or he best understands God.
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