How can we practically demonstrate our faith in a future heavenly country? Setting Our Sights on the Better Country “Now those who say such things show that they are seeking a country of their own.” (Hebrews 11:14) The patriarchs openly confessed they were “strangers and exiles on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13). Their words and actions revealed an unmistakable orientation toward the unseen, promised homeland. In the same way, our faith in that future place must surface in practical, observable ways. Living Like Pilgrims in the Present World • Adopt the pilgrim mindset. “For here we do not have a permanent city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.” (Hebrews 13:14) • Resist spiritual domestication. When the world feels too comfortable, evaluate where your ultimate loyalty lies (1 John 2:15-17). • Make decisions—career, housing, education—through the lens of temporary stewardship rather than permanent settlement. Investing Our Resources in Eternal Ventures • Redirect treasure: “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:20-21) • Give generously to gospel work, missions, and mercy ministries that will pay dividends in eternity (Philippians 4:17). • Budget time with the same priority: schedule Scripture, fellowship, and service before entertainment. Speaking the Language of Our Homeland • Confess hope publicly. The patriarchs verbalized their expectation (Hebrews 11:14); imitate them by weaving eternity into conversations. • Use words to comfort: “Therefore encourage one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:18). • Share the good news so others can become citizens of the same country (2 Corinthians 5:20). Pursuing Holiness as Citizens of Heaven • “Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.” (1 Peter 1:17) • Reject cultural norms that conflict with kingdom values; embrace purity in speech, sexuality, finances. • Cultivate Christ-like character—faith, hope, love—that mirrors the atmosphere of our future home (Colossians 3:1-4). Encouraging Fellow Travelers on the Journey • “And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) • Host believers, practice hospitality, and gather faithfully; pilgrim life is safest in community. • Celebrate milestones—baptisms, answered prayers—as previews of heavenly joy. Holding Loosely to Earthly Tents • Suffer with perspective: “For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison.” (2 Corinthians 4:17). • Face aging and loss with anticipatory hope, viewing death as the doorway to the better country (2 Corinthians 5:1-8). • Keep memorials light—photos, mementos—but refuse to let nostalgia eclipse forward-looking faith. Summary We demonstrate faith in the coming heavenly country by thinking, spending, speaking, living, and loving as pilgrims whose true citizenship lies beyond the horizon. The world sees a people whose priorities are strange yet compelling, and our God is “not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” (Hebrews 11:16) |
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