Is it possible to live in two worlds at the same time without that being strange? Certainly! A US Ambassador assigned to Somalia is esteemed, not considered weird. In such a case, the ambassador must abide by the rules at home and also wherever assigned. Did you know God intentionally designed you to live in two very different worlds?
God said, “Let us make man in our [plural–Father, Son and Holy Spirit] image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26a, ESV). This says the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground (body) and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life [Spirit world], and the man became a living being [also translated soul] (Genesis 2:7, NIV). You, along with every other human, are built with these three parts. Paul describes these parts as spirit, soul, and body. (1 Thess. 5:23)
The humanity of Jesus possessed these same three parts and effectively lived in two different worlds. His body and soul effectively connected with the earthly (‘seen’) world, while His spirit connected with the unseen kingdom of Heaven. In Capernaum (visible world), when healing and teaching, Jesus said something that upset the Jewish leaders who were present. With them only thinking thoughts, Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit [unseen world] that this was what they were thinking in their hearts… Mark 2:8a (NIV).
Every human can communicate with the unseen world as Jesus did, although many are blind to this ‘unseen’ kingdom of God. When a person humbly submits their life to the King of this kingdom, He regenerates their spirit, enabling them to live in both worlds at the same time. Jesus walked and talked with two disciples on their way to Emmaus. They later reported, Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us (Luke 24:32, NLT2)? Their burning hearts were their spirit connecting with the ‘unseen’ spirit world.
Far too many live an inconsistent Christian life because they are preoccupied with circumstances in their physical world. While they say they believe in God’s ‘unseen kingdom’ they ignore it. God waits for us to remember that living in the truth, hope and inspiration of the ‘unseen’ is the only way to experience the abundant life Jesus promised.
Our ‘seen’ world tells us seeing is believing. However, God wants us to believe truth in the ‘unseen’ world, by which we can see the bigger picture and have His peace. The psalmist said, I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living (Ps 27:13 NASB). Do you honestly believe what God says only when your circumstances are favorable or do you believe no matter what your circumstances may be?
Keep in mind, the kingdom of God existed before the earth’s creation and will exist long after this earth is destroyed. We can enjoy a much better life if we shift our focus off what is ‘seen’ in this physical world and align our daily life with the laws of our ‘unseen’ yet very real home. The king we serve wants us to respect the laws of our earthly world but also insists we set [our] hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1, NIV). Which world have you been focusing on in the last 30-60 days? Have you been enjoying God’s peace that passes all understanding or fear and frustration that the ‘seen’ world creates in you? That choice is yours. Your outlook determines your outcome!
Love this! Just the reminder I needed today. Thanks so much!
This is so good! Your message brings comfort and joy. Thank you!