Belonging

I realize that I haven't written in a while, but life has intruded. However, this thought has been percolating for a while, and perhaps it is time to share it. I think humans are designed by our Creator to be with other humans. We are wired for belonging, and when we don't have other humans that we are close to, it harms us emotionally. This is why solitary confinement is such a terrible punishment for most people, and why banishment was a big deal in the old world. It was misery for those banished-- misery for those left behind.

But sometimes we can be part of a group, but still feel like an outsider because of being different and not like the others. I think I have probably felt that way my entire life, but God has been faithful to bring into my life individuals and groups to connect with. Online, it was with my cancer buddies on Facebook at Mantle Cell Lymphoma: The Journey. (Thanks guys!) We share small details of our lives together as we deal with treatment, death, and long-term illness. Community is important. God has placed my wife and I in a small group bible study where we meet on Friday nights, eat a meal together, and then discuss a scripture passage. I think my favorite part of their dynamic is the constant text messages back and forth during the day, where we tease each other and plan the next meal. (In my family growing up, teasing was a demonstration of affection, and if I don't tease you, then you are at arm's length from me emotionally and that's just how it is.) I need this dynamic. God has also placed me in the worship team at our church where we are actively pursuing community. I am blessed by these relationships.

Some time ago, I noticed something interesting in the book of Revelation, chapter 3, verses 7-13, the message from Christ Jesus to the church in Philadelphia. Here are some excerpts, quoting from The New International Version:

"These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no man can shut, and what he shuts no man can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no man can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name...

"Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test those who live on the earth.

"I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

Typically, believers focus on the first part of this passage, about the open door in front of us. We like this part because it feels good. We like open doors! However, we stay away from the next part, about the "hour of trial coming on the whole world." No, that's not fun to think about, so we ignore it. And the part after that, about the pillars in the temple? That's just weird to us, so we ignore it too:

"I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

It was common for rulers in the ancient world to place memorial pillars to themselves or ideals as monuments to their great achievements. But, why in the temple? Think about it. Where do you put your treasures-- your favorite things-- on display? You put them in your temple-- in your favorite place-- the place you go to seek comfort. If you are a middle aged American male, you put them in your man cave; your happy place. Matthew 6:21 (NIV) tells us to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Does placement in the temple indicate treasured status? I think so. And check this out! In this passage, Jesus states that those who overcome will not only be made pillars in the temple, but they will also have three names written on them:

1. "The name of my God"

2. "The name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem"

3. "My new name."

That third one really caught my attention. Why would Jesus write his name on the individual pillars? While I was thinking about this, God showed me an image from the 1999 Pixar movie Toy Story 2, where the underside of Sheriff Woody's boot is seen and we could read the name "Andy" written on it. That name indicated belonging. Andy was his kid. He belonged to Andy, and Andy was letting the whole world know it. Woody belonged to Andy and we belong to Christ Jesus. And in this passage in Revelation 3, this relationship status is emphasized by Him putting his name on us. Moreover, John 10:27-30 (MSG) outlines the benefits of this kind of belonging:

"My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them real and eternal life. They are protected from the Destroyer for good. No one can steal them from out of my hand. The Father who put them under my care is so much greater than the Destroyer and Thief. No one could ever get them away from him. I and the Father are one heart and mind."

And so my friend, do you know Him? Has he written his name on you? Do you belong to Him already? If not, don't you want to? Being part of a tribe is great, and we should each find our tribe, but this here is the greatest of all belongings. Offer yourself to Him, open your Bible and ask him to talk to you. Ask Him to write His name on your boot.

Enter the belonging.

(credit for the image belongs to Pixar Studios)