by Tim Hall

One of the first things many parents teach their children is their address and phone number. It's impressive to hear a toddler recite their street address and home town. But it's more than a game to impress others; it's a safety measure. In the unthinkable event of a young child becoming lost or abducted, it's helpful when the authorities can quickly reunite that child with the parents.

Christians need to drill the same type of information into their minds and hearts. Living in this evil and dangerous world, it's all too easy to take a wrong turn and suddenly realize we are lost. It happens commonly with Christians. But the crucial question is this: Will we remember where "home" is? Or will our confusion keep us wandering for the rest of our lives?

Before you respond with a "Duh!" to my question, I ask you to think about this statement in Hebrews 11:13: "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." (New King James Version) "These all" points to some great people of faith: People like Noah, Abraham, Sarah and others. One thing that set them apart from others of their day was that they did not consider the earth to be their home. They lived with the conviction that they were "strangers and pilgrims".

Not all Christians grasp this concept. It appears that some regard this world to be everything to them. All of their time, money and energy is poured into this life. Very little of their treasure is laid up in heaven. When it comes to requests for help and resources for spiritual matters -- "Sorry, I'm all tapped out!" Why are their resources depleted, completely unavailable for spiritual tasks? Because they are living for this life only.

No one could charge Demas with being lukewarm. He had given himself to the service of the Lord, and was a valuable co-worker with the apostle Paul (Colossians 4:14). But something happened to Demas; something changed the way he thought. Paul reflected on this once-fervent laborer: "For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed . . ." (2 Timothy 4:10). Demas forgot where "home" was.

Let us stop right where we are and look around. Are we where we should be at this moment in our lives? Or must we admit that we've taken some wrong turns and are now lost? It's not a hopeless situation. When we determine that "home" for us will be in heaven with God, He'll take us by the hand and help us find our way.