C.S. Lewis was a famous literary critic and author. He converted to Christianity from atheism. 

Here is one of his more famous quotes: “There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise… If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”

The world promises you all sorts of things. But it never keeps its promise. True enough. 

Because of this, Lewis wonders if he was made for another world. Perhaps he had Philippians 3:20 in mind: “our citizenship is in heaven.”

Lately I’ve been thinking about the pressure we feel to fit in with the world around us. It’s so tempting to blend in and to just go along with what everyone else is saying and doing, even when what other people are saying and doing goes against your values or beliefs.

I have a few suggestions which I hope will help.

First, simply be aware of those moments when you feel the pressure to fit in. That’s it. That’s all. Step one is simply being aware that the pressure exists. 

Second, get used to it. Start to get used to feeling different. 

Third, pray for opportunities to bring heaven home. I’m thinking back to Lewis’ quote. We’re different for a reason. We’re citizens of earth but we’re also citizens of heaven. As you start to get used to the idea of being different, pray for opportunities to invade this world with the kingdom of heaven.

Grace, truth, justice, mercy, righteousness, beauty…

Lewis wrote: “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” 

Well, we’re not there yet. So let’s bring heaven home.

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Notes:

-New Podcast and Blog: “13 Things to Pray for Your Pastor.” Click here, or find ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, etc.

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.