SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1084

“Home”

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be … at home with the Lord. – Matthew 6:2; 2 Corinthians 5:8

‘Treasure’ is the Greek word thēsaurós from which we get the word ‘thesaurus’. Our treasure is where we store what is valuable and precious to us, whether it is material possessions, thoughts or memories.

‘Heart’ is the Greek word kardía which is the affective center of our being. Our kardía is where our desires and moral choices are produced. It is what makes us tick and defines our character and who we really are.

‘Home’ in our reference is from the Greek word endēméō meaning being among our own people. There are many words in Scripture that convey the idea of home being a place where we abide, our abode, our refuge. It is where we are in the presence of our Lord among our brothers and sisters in Christ.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” – Psalm 91:1-2

The idea conveyed in our reference Scriptures is that our hearts, our desires, what we treasure and our sense of home are all interconnected.

We seem to strive so hard to establish a sense of ‘home’ by surrounding ourselves with the biggest houses, spacious lands, and filling them with material treasures and possessions yet we continue to feel empty. They remain empty shells of bricks, sticks, and stucco – houses, but not homes.

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12

Our sense of home begins with our heart. It needs to be a heart after God’s own heart, desiring to do the will of God. This drives our moral value system and defines our character and what we treasure. A heart right before God abides in Him and is at peace in His presence. It is home.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Abide in me, and I in you…; As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. – Matthew 6:33; John 15:4; 9

Lord, I pray for a heart that is right before You. Change my heart to seek Your kingdom and righteousness first rather than the temporary things of this world that moths and rust will destroy.

Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind. – Psalm 26:2

May you be at home in the presence of the Lord in this life and for eternity in the next. May you know His peace, power, and presence as you abide in Him and take refuge in Him.

May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. – 2 Thessalonians 3:5

Welcome home.