"This World Is Not My Home"

The story is told of a prominent American who was once visiting Argentina. While there, he was asked by the president of the republic, “Why has South America gotten along so poorly and North America so well? What do you think is the reason?”

The visitor replied, “I think the reason is found in the fact that the Spaniards came to South America seeking gold, while the Pilgrim Fathers came to North America seeking God.”

Beloved, spiritual maturity makes a big difference in how we as faithful Christians view the world and its temporary allurements (cf. Hebrews 11:24-27). Let us realize that in this world, we are simply God’s temporary guests — not permanent householders; pilgrims (Hebrews 11:13 KJV) — not landlords; tenants — not owners.

Regarding our permanent abode, the Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 3:20: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.“

As we sojourn here upon the earth (1 Peter 1:17-19 KJV), let’s remind ourselves of the beginning words of the old sacred song which says, “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through” (see video).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets