I have had the opportunity to do some sightseeing in Europe. We travelled to Drielandpunt in Vaals. This is a three-country point, where the borders of Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany meet at a small monument marking this geographical place. I stood there in wonder and awe and asked myself how it is possible to be standing in one spot but to be in three countries all at once. I hugged the marker and took a picture to share my wonder with friends and family.

Later, someone pointed out that Christians stand at the intersection of three spiritual countries. Let me explain.

Firstly, although we live in this world, the real homeland of Christians is in heaven; we are only passing through here. We are in the world, but not of the world, and our real home country is heaven.

John 15:19 – If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. (NIV)

John 14:2-3 – In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (NIV)

Secondly, God's kingdom is wherever people obey Him as King. So, the challenge that we have is to live fully obedient to God, while we have one foot planted in the territory of this world.

Thirdly, when we become Christians, Jesus transfers our citizenship from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light.

Colossians 1:13 – For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. (NLT)

When we obey the Lord, we stand in the territory of light, but when we disobey Him, we are in the territory of darkness. So again, we stand at the intersection of three spiritual countries, with one foot in the territory of this world and the other in either the world of light or the world of darkness.

How can we prepare ourselves for our real home in God's country?

• Are we kind to God's creation?
• Do we speak God's glorious name, praise Him, and sings songs to Him?
• Do we pray with others and help them to prepare for their place in the house of God?

Prayer: Dear Lord, please help us in our everyday journey on this earth to prepare ourselves and help others to prepare for our final home with You. May we live lives worthy of such a glorious place. Amen.