Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Thursday June 16, 2011

Algerian Epitaph

As I sat wondering whether to write an inspiring article or just an article and at last even a sarcastic article, a lovely statement from the pen of a long passed Algerian flashed across the page.

The statement has to do with legitimate heaviness of heart of true Christians. This does not mean that we are to walk around ready to drink the Hemlock, but it does acknowledge that a little sadness, based on a correct premise is at least acceptable if not desired. Here is the Algerian Gem:

"What maketh the heart of the Christian heavy? The fact that he is a pilgrim, and longs for his own country."

This beautiful truth is the epitaph of Aurelias Augustine, better known as "Saint."

As a young and new convert 49 years ago, I was amazed as older Christians talked about "being homesick for heaven." In my ignorance, I was appalled at such a thought and found that I used words similar to the ones made famous by Dr. B.R. Lakin, "Well, if you're so homesick for heaven, just don't go to the doctor the next time you're sick." It sounded funny when he said it.

Natural homesickness doesn't bother me much as I age. When I was younger, early teens, I was prone to run away from home, for extended periods, like six months, one time eighteen months to California and would on occasion suffer pangs of homesickness. Not so much as to debilitate me, but a pang for home here and there. I would overcome this by reasoning, correctly, that the worst day on the road, was still better than the best remembered day at "home." Such was life according to yours truly.

I was apparently running away from home, but to what I wasn't sure.

The from, to, of life is an interesting study and experts in this field assure us that it is much healthier to be progressing toward a desired goal than to be running away from someplace, something, or someone.

Thus old songs with lyrics about the Celestial City resonate with Christians as the Spirit who has been there, whispers, "It is gorgeous, and has no undertakers, lawyers or mother in laws."

According to several passages in scripture there is a good country containing a fabulous city to which we Christians travel. Abraham and others of the faith knew about this place and walked away from the "surly bonds of earth the touch the face of God."

Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

Larry Lilly Copyright (C) 2011 Use with credit


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