Living Like Pilgrims

Feature 1 – July/August 2015 — Grace & Truth Magazine

Living Like Pilgrims

In the early 1600s a number of English families left their homes because of religious persecution, moving first to a Dutch city and then to America in 1620. Reviewing these travels in his journal, one of their leaders wrote: “So they left [that] goodly and pleasant city [in the Netherlands], which had been their resting place near 12 years; but they knew they were pilgrims and looked not much on these things; but lifted up their eyes to the heavens, their dearest country, and quieted their spirits.” 1 This group did not take a name for themselves; but over the years, as others referred to this statement, they became known in American history as “the Pilgrims.”

Besides appreciating the historical significance, Christians today can identify a meaningful statement in that journal entry, which well summarizes a pilgrim’s perspective about life. All Christians should evaluate their earthly situations in the light of the heavenly country, according to Hebrews 11:13-16. Further, Colossians 3:1-2 instructs us to set our minds on things in heaven rather than on the earthly things around us. These passages expose a point of tension for every Christian, for of course we have to live on the earth; yet earthly things can become serious distractions from spiritual progress.

Defining Earthly Things
It is necessary to understand what earthly things are because they are not the same as what the Bible calls “the world.” Christians are warned against the influences of the world since worldly things are attitudes that directly conflict with our trust in God the Father (1 Jn. 2:15-16). But earthly things are different. Our bodies are called our earthly tents (2 Cor. 5:1), and thus we may count all the cares and joys of daily life among these earthly things. In his helpful book, How To Overcome, J. T. Mawson writes: “Briefly summed up, earthly things represent the cares, riches, pleasures and necessities of this life. They embrace the sweet and bitter, the joy and sorrow, the prosperity and adversity of our existence here, and are found in the family, social and business circles.”

Therefore it is plain that earthly things are not in themselves sinful. Yet the reality is that they have disturbed many believers. For example, too much emphasis on natural delights will lead to a lack of restraint, causing us to treat our appetites like a god and focus exclusively on earthly things (Phil. 3:19). Too much emphasis on earthly wisdom will lead us into a lifestyle that is preoccupied with gratifying our senses and appetites – actually opposing God’s wisdom (Jas. 3:15). And too much emphasis on the cares and pleasures of life will choke the development of the Word of God in our hearts and cause us to forget about the Lord’s coming (Lk. 8:14, 21:34).

Overcoming Earthly Things
The primary problem with earthly things is that they are not heavenly things. Christians are heavenly people – that is, since our real home is heaven we should live with heavenly values while we are traveling there. We have a heavenly calling (Heb. 3:1) and God has already linked us with Christ who is seated in heavenly places (Eph. 2:6; Col. 3:1-3). Heavenly things last, whereas earthly things decay. Heavenly things attract us to Christ, while earthly things divert our attention from Him.

The Old Testament example of Gideon is helpful here. In Judges 6 the armies of Midian had camped around Israel, driving them to seek shelter in dens and caves. Moreover, they pillaged their fields and left Israel no food; thus, “Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites” (v.6 NKJV). In seeing the people of God hiding in caves with no opportunity to enjoy the blessings He has given them, we notice the symbolic meaning of being overcome by earthly things.

However, Gideon had reserved some wheat, which he threshed in secret so the Midianites would not steal it away. Wheat grows on a stalk above the ground, giving us a picture of the risen Christ (compare with John 12:24). This is one key to victory: When we nourish our souls in secret, not allowing earthly things to rob us of time with our heavenly Lord, we become the overcomers that are represented by Gideon.

Another aspect of this victory comes through contentment. The Lord Jesus observed that the nations of the world are obsessed with ordinary things like food and clothing. He warned against allowing those legitimate needs to engulf our minds as well, lest we be led into anxiety and doubt. As He reminded His followers, “Your Father knows that you need these things” (Lk. 12:30). Therefore we can trust Him, content with what He has provided and certain that He will provide again. Notice that the Lord did not rebuke the need, only the anxious obsession. When we seek first the kingdom of God, everything else falls into its proper place. Then we begin to store up treasure in heaven, and our hearts become attached to heavenly things.

Using Earthly Things
There is another aspect of earthly things which helps us develop a complete perspective. While it is true that we must not be overcome by their distractions, at the same time we must properly harness them for spiritual purposes. The first way to do this is by being faithful with our earthly responsibilities, which adds validity to our spiritual testimony. For example, we should do what is right as citizens of our earthly countries (Rom. 13:1-7; Ti. 3:1). The Lord indicated that it was proper to pay taxes to the government and even to other authorities that we might otherwise question (Lk. 20:25; Mt. 17:24-27). We should also pay our debts, take care of our homes and families, and be good neighbors. If we can’t manage earthly things responsibly, says the Lord, why would God entrust us with spiritual riches (Lk. 16:11)?

Second, we should learn how to use earthly things without abusing them (1 Cor. 7:31). Most spiritual gains are actually accomplished by using earthly things in some way. If you study the Scriptures with your neighbor you will probably go to a bookstore, use some money to buy Bibles which themselves were printed by a publishing company, and then perhaps enjoy a meal or snack with that neighbor as a way to build your relationship. Gospel tracts are shipped around the world in huge containers and they are sent individually in envelopes through the mail service. We rely on earthly things like money, transportation, meeting places and a host of other things to accomplish spiritual purposes.

An interesting verse in this regard is found in 1 Corinthians 7:21: “Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it.” Paul is saying that these first century slaves could certainly serve the Lord while being slaves, but if they could gain their freedom they should surely do so because this would expand their opportunities for service.2 By application we can say that Christians should evaluate every earthly advantage available to them, considering whether it would enhance some service for the Lord. Can you earn an honest raise at work? If it will provide more resources for the Lord’s work, you should. Do you have time to learn to play a musical instrument? If it will open new doors of service, you should.

Notice that this process requires discernment. We have already seen that earthly things can ensnare us and sometimes we have to stop our pursuit of some goal because it is affecting our spiritual health. If an earthly responsibility becomes like the choking thorns of Mark 4:19, then it will ultimately render us unfruitful for God. However, many Christians make the opposite mistake of trying to avoid earthly things as much as possible rather than using them for the Lord.

The parable of the unjust steward in Luke 16:1-8 tells of an unfaithful manager who was going to lose his job. Knowing this he was able to use relationships and money to secure something for his future. The parable concludes with the Lord Jesus observing that the unjust worker had exercised shrewd planning: “For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light. And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon [money], that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home” (Lk. 16:8-9). While the worker is not to be imitated in his unrighteous service, he is an example of how Christians should use earthly things – purposefully and with careful forethought – to accomplish spiritual and eternal outcomes.

Closing Thoughts
In contrast with the unjust steward, consider a Scottish woman named Jane Lundie. She lost her parents when she was just 11 years old, and her sister died only eight years later. At the age of 22, shortly before marrying the now well-known hymn writer Horatius Bonar, Jane wrote a hymn of her own: “Fade, Fade, Each Earthly Joy; Jesus Is Mine!” This young Christian woman understood that there were indeed legitimate joys in life. Yet in comparison to having Jesus, those earthly joys were only “perishing things of clay.” 3 This is the path of the Christian pilgrim: traveling on earth while looking toward heaven and redeeming earthly things for the Lord while setting our affections on things above.

END NOTES
1. William Bradford, in his journal, Of Plimoth Plantation, 1651.
2. Paul’s words should not be misconstrued as support for the practice of slavery itself.
3. Her original lyrics, written in 1843, were “Pass away, earthly joy.” See Jane Lundie and Jesus Is Mine.

By Stephen Campbell

Jesus Is Mine
Fade, fade, each earthly joy, Jesus is mine!
Break every tender tie, Jesus is mine!
Dark is the wilderness, Earth has no resting place,
Jesus alone can bless, Jesus is mine!

Tempt not my soul away, Jesus is mine!
Here would I ever stay, Jesus is mine!
Perishing things of clay, born but for one brief day,
Pass from my heart away, Jesus is mine!

Farewell, ye dreams of night, Jesus is mine!
Lost in this dawning bright, Jesus is mine!
All that my soul has tried left but a dismal void;
Jesus has satisfied, Jesus is mine!

Farewell, mortality, Jesus is mine!
Welcome, eternity, Jesus is mine!
Welcome, oh, loved and blest,
Welcome sweet scenes of rest,
Welcome, my Savior’s breast, Jesus is mine! —Jane C. Lundie Bonar (1821-1884)