“If you listen obediently to the Voice of God, your God, and heartily obey all his commandments that I command you today, God, your God, will place you on high, high above all the nations of the world. All these blessings will come down on you and spread out beyond you because you have responded to the Voice of God, your God: God’s blessing inside the city, God’s blessing in the country; God’s blessing on your children, the crops of your land, the young of your livestock, the calves of your herds, the lambs of your flocks. God’s blessing on your basket and bread bowl; God’s blessing in your coming in, God’s blessing in your going out.’ (Deuteronomy 28:1-6 The Message Bible)
Opening up the “News” app on my phone early yesterday morning, I came across a listing of the ten best countries for Americans who want to live abroad. The list was composed by experts and the factors they named that influenced their ratings included safety, friendliness, quality of life, and access to culture and outdoor activities. Two other major factors taken into consideration in preparing the list were cost of living and work-life living. The countries they listed were in various parts of the world, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Central America. As I read the article, I found one thing that was not mentioned author. Oh, there was mention of cultural diversity, rich histories, climate, geography, and the emphases placed on education by various cities. But there was still one thing not mentioned. Sure, there was mention of public transportation systems, botanical gardens, awaiting adventures, but there was still one thing not mentioned.
There was no mention of the religious life of these top countries or the cities that were part of them. There was no consideration given in regard to religion that would suggest whether Christian values were held strongly by the inhabitants or not. Reading the article I could not determine if any of the places were on the top ten list because of a need for evangelism; where the people who dwelled in these places needed the gospel, or if the top ten countries were places where one would be surrounded by a majority of people who embraced Christian principles and therefore really impacted the location’s quality of life. Either of the last two characteristics would be great for believers because one would offer an opportunity to be obedient to the great commission if they choose to live at such a city in need of Jesus, and the other would ensure that those relocating abroad would relish living in a place where true, Bible- based religious beliefs would benefit their spiritual journey.
I concluded that the place we live at Christians, whether abroad or local, whether in a place described as luxurious or by limited sights, scenic views, tropic weather year around or seasonal changes, the “place” does not really matter. What will make any place we reside the best place to live? It is not any thing mentioned in the “News” article, but rather it is believer’s mindset that help them make the place one of the best places to be. Let me say it this way, “The believer’s mindset, God-conscious, Jesus-conscious minds, will make things fit the category of a better place. And this mindset must start in one’s home and in one’s present city. Then it won’t make a difference what place a believer lives.
The place where you are now, today, and where you may find yourself the future, remember that it is your identity and living by the principles attached to your identity that will change the place where you live, once again, for the better. So, start where you are today; whether you live in a rundown shack or a raised up palatial estate; whether you live in the most desired neighborhood or the most feared neighborhood, whether you live in the USA or abroad. Start in the place you live in now. Make your place one of the best places to live. (Checkout your identity below for help in fulfilling this charge or challenge.) Have a wonderful Thursday! Change the world for the better! Be blessed!
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (I Peter 2:9 NASB)
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (I Peter 2:9 NASB)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King