In my youth, I don’t recall being as curious about the world and what’s hidden. However, as an adult it’s fascinating to unearth the truth behind what’s often referred to as norm. Who defines the norm anyway? They have obviously never delved into the intricacies of the complexity of humanity. In my limited understanding of being, I have discovered that we all in our own way are trying to find “Home.” I could get all like “The Wiz” and quote that verse, “When I think of home I think of a place where there is love overflowing.” But I don’t really think that applies with this particular writing. Rather, I’m more considering home as a state of being. And how we all strive to be at home. We look for home internally, within our culture, or in our ethnicity. Or we look to find home externally within the world around us. Even more, those of us that commit our lives to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ find it difficult to sometimes coexist in home spaces that aren’t allowing our growth. As those of us that seek to escape the trappings of being disconnected from God, I would confirm that all other striving except for striving after Christ is futile. The Christian that repents of their rebellion fights against the notion that being fully “at home” is achievable on this side of life.
Merriam-Webster describes at home in three different categories. Firstly, it says that being at home is where we are relaxed and comfortable: at ease. This definition implies that this is where most of the “real you” is unleashed. Secondly, it states that being at home is being in harmony with the surroundings. This illustrates that there is a oneness with our immediate state. And thirdly, being at home is being on familiar ground. This relates in my estimation with a likeness of that which is familiar or similar to our origin. I would imagine that the only non-divine human beings that understood being at home would be Adam and Eve. Genesis tells us that they are the first of mankind, and before their disobedience they experienced uninterrupted community with the Creator of the universe. But we all know what happened and ever since their act of treason humanity has struggled internally, and externally with home.
The Fall of Man ushered in a new identity of homelessness in a world that was originally created for comfort, harmony and familiarity. According to legendary Evangelist Tom Skinner, sin has separated man from God, man from his brother, and man from himself. Apart from God, we will always carry a sense of striving after home, but never quite make it there. However, as we discover Jesus and he reveals more of himself to those that have been forgiven of sin. We will unearth our real home in him, and become comfortable, in harmony with His creation, and familiar to his indwelling Spirit. That’s probably not half bad for a wondering homeless beggar.
Rants and Ramblings 