Scripture Study
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ…” — Philippians 3:20
Lost in the Feeling
Two nights ago, I went to a Josiah Queen concert with my family. My whole family loves his music, and I especially love the solid messages packed into his lyrics. But there is one specific line from his song “The Prodigal” that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about since the show:
“I’m lost in the feeling that I ain’t from this world…”
I’ve been reflecting on that line and asking myself what it really means, as a Christian, to feel like we don’t belong in this world. And on the flip side—what does it mean if we do feel completely comfortable here?
Comfort, Possessions, and God’s Will
I’ve heard people say that if you’re just cruising through life and not actively making a difference for Christ, the enemy will leave you alone because you aren’t threatening his plans. While I’m not sure that’s entirely biblical—since the enemy will take any opportunity he can get to destroy a life—it does raise a fair question: Can you be comfortable and still be walking in God’s will?
Does being comfortable mean you aren’t struggling, that you have financial security, good friends, a nice home, a reliable car, and the ability to take vacations? Or are we, as followers of Christ, supposed to avoid wanting or having those things?
Do we need material blessings to make a bigger impact for God, or do those very things become a distraction?
I know people who have been blessed with a lot and are extraordinarily generous. They support ECMEN and other ministries, and they are honestly a big reason I can continue doing the work I do. I also know people who have very little, yet give out of their scarcity with incredible generosity. I am deeply thankful for every single one of them. They all play a vital role in what God is building.
So, material wealth itself isn’t the deciding factor.
It’s All About Where Your Focus Is
It really comes down to heart alignment and focus:
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We can focus on gaining the things of this world purely for self-satisfaction, leaving no room or energy to serve God.
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We can focus on building resources so they can be stewarded for God’s kingdom and used to lift others up.
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We can focus on what we lack, harboring resentment toward God, getting trapped in a downward spiral, and becoming spiritually sidelined.
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We can view our personal needs as opportunities for God to work through others’ gifts to provide, fostering community and interdependence. If each of us had everything we could ever want, how would we ever serve and need each other?
A Vacation House Mental Model
That line—“I ain’t from this world”—is a powerful reminder that we are only here for a short time.
Think about going on a family vacation and renting a house. You enjoy it, but you don’t get deeply attached or start remodeling the kitchen, because it’s only serving a temporary purpose for your stay. You know it’s not your permanent home.
This world is not your final residence, and God has placed you here right now with an eternal purpose. Don’t get so comfortable with the temporary accommodations that you miss the main mission. That would be like taking a family trip to Disney World, but liking the rental house so much that you stay inside and never actually go to the park!
Have a great day in Christ,
Matt
