Our new home
It's New Year's Eve, the last night of the old year. The fireworks start, we toast and wish each other all the best for the new year. We set new goals for ourselves at the start of the year. Many people want to change something in their lives, be it with a new diet, giving up smoking, getting more exercise or getting involved in a good cause.
Some have big goals: they want to start a new life in a distant country. The reasons for this vary. Some no longer see any hope of finding work here, others want a better future for their children or simply want to set different priorities. They are looking for a new home, giving up everything to find a less hectic lifestyle elsewhere, more time for the family, more space and untouched nature.
The report "Up and Away" shows how differently emigrants prepare for their new home. It shows how they react when problems arise, how families and couples support each other or not. Some give up easily and want to return to their homeland, others defy all obstacles, persevere and finally toast: "To our new home!"
Everyone has the same goal. Why do some succeed and others don't? Those who give up are often poorly prepared. They have little or no knowledge of the language of the chosen country. They cannot fit in with other people's habits and are disappointed by the prices of food, rent, electricity, etc. Some miss the local cuisine and are particularly unhappy in countries by the sea, as the diet often consists of fish and seafood. Children often have difficulties at school because they do not speak the local language. The family does not have enough savings to get through the initial period. Nerves quickly become frayed, arguments arise, tensions rise and ultimately people give up.
Those who make it are well prepared and informed about their new home. They anticipate possible difficulties, are prepared to lower their standard of living if necessary and accept any job. When problems arise, they support each other and do not lose sight of their goal. Despite many setbacks, hard work and sometimes poor living conditions, they strive to achieve their goal and are happy in the end. They have a new perspective and no longer want to go back to their old home.
You may now say: I am not an adventurer, not an emigrant. I love my homeland and do not want to emigrate. I am a patriot and will stay in the country. And yet we are all emigrants, citizens of another kingdom - the kingdom of God. We do not need a work permit because we are invited to our new homeland, invited by the King of Kings, Jesus Christ.
What does it mean to be a citizen of his kingdom? Jesus tells us: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up; and in his joy goes and sells all he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one of great value, goes and sells all he has and buys it.” (Mt 13,44-46).
What is it worth to us to be citizens of this kingdom? Is it the most important thing in our lives? Are we acting like the merchant who is looking for precious pearls? Jesus urges us to consider the cost before we decide to accept his invitation and become citizens of his kingdom. Are we ready to accept his government, submit our lives to him and integrate ourselves into his kingdom?
Like the emigrants, we should ask ourselves how well prepared we are to be citizens of His kingdom. What are our expectations? Are we ready to face difficult times and make sacrifices when necessary? Do we have our goal in mind? Will we give up when things get too difficult? Can we build up our partner or brother when he wants to give up? Do we have someone to help us?
Jesus explains what he expects from his citizens: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” (Lk 9,23-24).
That sounds harsh for our human nature—to give up everything, to put ourselves last. Jesus shows us that he helps and supports us in this: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Mt 11,28-30).
Jesus answered Pilate: “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jews; but my kingdom is not of this world.” (Joh 18,36).
In his intercession for the disciples, Jesus shows us why we are here on earth: “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.”Joh 17,15-16 and 24).
Wouldn't it have been much easier to just put us in the spiritual world? Why does Jesus not want us to be taken out of this world? Because he wants to shape us in this earthly life. We have a mission to spread God's good news and to be a light in a dark world.
As physical people who can only see the visible world, we must ask ourselves: What does it mean for me to be a citizen of God's kingdom? How well do I know my King and his will? What does he require of me? What does he do for me? How close is this new home to me? Do I live in it or am I homesick for the old home? Am I aware that I am only a pilgrim in this world, just passing through? God knows that it is not easy for our human nature to live in two worlds at the same time. That is why he gives us tools for our earthly pilgrimage. We know that without his help we can do nothing.
What is his perspective for our lives? God's priority for us is eternal life and not our earthly, fleeting life. For him, the most important thing is not that we only have well-being in this life, health, wealth, success, a carefree retirement, but he looks forward to a change of heart, our conversion and that Jesus Christ can shine his light in this world in us and through us.
For our human, self-centered nature, our earthly life takes priority. We want to lead a good, successful, carefree life. We long for God to take all our difficulties away. It's about us, our family, our country. And when we experience suffering, our future in God's kingdom seems far away: "Do not lose yourselves in this world, even though you live in it. For this world, with everything it has to offer, will soon pass away." (1. Kor 7,31).
God clearly shows us what our priorities should be: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Mt 6,33).
He wants us to trust that He will take care of us even in difficult times, when and how He wants. Difficult times can be a blessing from God's perspective. When we look at our lives through God's eyes, we can often see the blessing in them. He wants us to act like the merchant who sells everything for this treasure.
Finally, Paul directs us to a crucial perspective: “For our light and momentary afflictions are preparing for us an eternal and immeasurable weight of glory, because we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2. Kor 4,17-18).
This invitation reminds you that the invisible things—hope, faith, love, and the promises of God—have lasting significance in your life.
by Christine Joosten
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