Unpackers Anonymous

All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth.

Hebrews 11:13

We, too, are only foreigners and nomads on this earth because our real home is in heaven. It is certainly okay to avoid getting too comfortable here because a better, more glorious day is coming, and each moment we live moves us closer to it! Since we are always wandering as nomads on earth, we do not need to worry if we die with our suitcases still packed. When we have believed in Christ, we will always be ready to go!

For some unexplained reason, I am the only one in our family who does not unpack immediately after returning home from a trip. Maybe I like that the clothes in my suitcase are neat and covered up—out of sight, out of mind. After a trip, I try to tackle my priorities at home and at work first, so I procrastinate in unpacking because I know it can wait. Maybe I ought to start a group called Unpackers Anonymous.

In Hebrews 11, we can be inspired by the great examples of men and women packed with faith because they simply believed what God had promised them. “They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection” (verse 35). They kept their greatest treasures—God’s promises, His love, protection, and power—packed in their hearts at all times.

Maybe I could defend myself for not wanting to unpack with the fact that my loaded suitcase serves as a reminder that I am a wanderer on this earth! I praise God that my final destination in heaven is secure.

If you are not packed for heaven with faith in Christ, please take that step now. Believe and receive Jesus Christ. This is a one-way ticket only. God tells us in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”