Some people love to travel. They love to experience new foods, new cultures, new scenery, new geography and more. They must not mind the packing and unpacking, the planning and preparations, or the cost and effort a traveler’s lifestyle brings. I assume there are many rewards in a life well-traveled. Sights unseen by most have been witnessed. Foods untasted by most have been consumed. Cultures unknown by most have been experienced. Architecture and nature at its finest have been sighted. Perhaps, famous people have been spotted along the way. There is no end to what one can experience when traveling the world.
Tourist season is typically a certain time period throughout the year. Weather seasons are different throughout the world, so tourist season won’t always be the same days and months for each location. So, traveling that provides the best and most relaxing experience must be properly researched and planned. Spontaneity can pay off at times, but at other times, timing is key.
When we look at life as a forward moving trip, we realize we will face many new sights and sounds and peoples. Unless we put ourselves in a box and refuse to budge, we can be open to adventures that will enrich our lives. But are we satisfied with always being on the go? Do we ever want to settle down and slow down?
Each of us are on the journey called life. And in the course of that journey, we have many life choices we must make. Daily, we pack and unpack all the circumstances we face, pleasant or not. We surround ourselves with friends of our own choosing, right or wrong they may be. We may or may know know who, what, when, where and how influences us. Some choose to live a busy life, while others have chosen a deliberate, slow life. Regardless of our lifestyle, we move forward each day.
This world is not a place where we should feel comfortable. As believers, we should stand out as ones who don’t go with the flow of culture. We can’t bow to the whims of the latest trends or accept the most current social customs. For they will lead us astray. If we’re not careful, they will lead us down a path that leads straight to hell.
But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. Jude 1:20-21
Perhaps it’s time to put away the spiritual luggage and resort wear and prepare for the trip of a lifetime. It’s time to move from tourist to serious pilgrim in our Christian walk. It’s time to move from being a casual Christian to being a dedicated follower of Christ.
It’s time now while there is still time to buckle up and strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ. It’s time to study the Bible and know what we believe. It’s time we learn whether our current beliefs align with the Bible or not. And if they don’t, it’s time to change those beliefs to honor God. For this world is not our home. We’re only passing through. And when our tour of duty is over here on earth, our souls will still live on somewhere. And while we’re passing through this life, we have a choice to make of where we spend our next life. Heaven or hell.
Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. 1 Peter 2:11-12
We are on a journey toward eternity. There is a path that leads to heaven, and it’s time to choose that path. Our days on this earth are short. We don’t know when our life is over. But we do know that Jesus said he is the way, the truth, and the life. If Jesus is the Way of Life for us, then he will lead us down the path of life. And the path is not for fainthearted tourists, because it is full of bumps and bruises, twists and turns. It’s for the serious traveler. It’s for the one who deliberately chooses to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior of their life. We must always stay packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice.
A traveler may collect souvenirs as reminders of their travels. They can be on display at home to provide a moment of reminiscence when a memory hits. As pilgrims on the road of life, we too can store treasures in our eternal home. They will serve as reminders of our faithful witness and pilgrimage. This collection won’t be on display until we reach our final destination, but the collection is building with each breath we take.
Like Paul, our goal should be to finish the fight of this life with a strong faith. Our prize is being prepared as we fight the good fight of faith. Let’s put away our suitcases and build a strong case for our faith that can’t be denied.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8