Some people consider certain countries or cities as heaven on earth. They wish to invest all their efforts, energy, time, resources, and wealth to reach there. However, when they reach there, many are disillusioned but put on a brave face stating their decision was good. A university professor and his wife who was a high school teacher decided to move to America, which they considered as heaven. With one son, they moved there. Without a job, he was forced to work in a private hotel as a service manager, which meant he was a cleaner and janitor. His wife had to do a nursing degree and started working as a nurse. But, when he drove his wife to work, he met with an accident and died on the spot. It was a fatal attraction indeed.
Escape: People migrate because of distress. It could be a natural disaster like famine, political instability, economic distress, and family reasons. Naomi and her family migrated because of famine. (Ruth 1:1) David had to migrate because of a threat from Saul, a political problem. (I Samuel 21:11) Jacob had to run away because of a feud with his brother Esau. (Genesis 28:5)
Enhance and enjoy: Some people migrate to add to their comfort, income, luxury, freedom, and rich lifestyle. Nevertheless, their high expectations could be shattered. The professor who had a stable, better-than-others lifestyle, livelihood, and opportunities chose to migrate for greener pastures. Tragically, it was not what he expected, and met with sudden death.
Eternal focus: The disciples of the Lord do not make choices according to situations, but according to God’s purpose and plan. It is not an accident that a person is born in any part of the world. Wherever they are born, God has a plan for them. Most of the people would be called to serve in their contexts. Few would be called to go to another culture, context, and nation with a special purpose. However, that kind of call should be the initiative of God, and not driven by selfish desires.
Instead of eternal heaven, do I seek temporal worldly heaven?