The Two Coordinates of the Soul: Sense of belonging with people and Sense of eternal homecoming—Where Do You Anchor?
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. ~ Hebrews 11:13-16
Once again, we are in the season of celebrating the birth of our beloved Savior, two thousand years ago. As I was typing this year’s final reflection, I noticed the freckles on my hands, now dry and withered. I realized I am getting old. And especially I’m a January baby, I feel I age faster than many others. So, I’ve always envied those born in November and December. For years I know I have grey hair, feel weakness in my knees, have worn reading glasses for years, and experience other signs of aging, yet these outward changes have not bothered me at all before. I have never get aging caught up with me, I feel more physically and intellectually focused and sharper than ever.
Each year I serve at ROLC, time seems to pass faster and feel tougher than the year before. This year has been no different. We have faced new challenges, as the church goes through a transition with our senior pastor and some of our old friends entering new seasons in their lives. In a small church like ours, every new coming member is a great joy, and every departing member is a sad goodbye. Each change stirs our emotions.
Often, people in the church wonder: How can someone lay aside everything they have served for so easily? Many question the individual’s intentions—whether it is truly a “call from God,” a personal agenda, or an inability to forge close bonds with fellow Christians.
As I pondered this question, two concepts came to mind: a “Sense of Belonging with People” (归属) and a “Sense of Eternal Homecoming” (归宿).
What is the difference between these two terms?
1) Sense of Belonging with People (归属):
This is a deep, stable, and positive emotional connection an individual establishes with their external environment—including people, places, groups, denominations, or culture. It makes you feel:
- Accepted: You can be your authentic self without fear of rejection.
- Understood: Your feelings, thoughts, and experiences resonate with others.
- Valued: Your presence and contributions matter.
- Connected: You feel part of a larger whole.
A sense of belonging provides the certainty and security of “I belong here.” People often build their faith and values alongside others who share similar beliefs and goals. They stay motivated by participating actively, communicating, and expressing goodwill. Their sense of belonging stems from feeling “needed”—contributing to a team, family, or community, and discovering shared interests to bridge connections.
However, over-relying on this type of belonging can pressure someone to conform their core self to fit into a group. Such conformity may bring temporary “fitting in,” but it sacrifices inner authenticity and cannot provide lasting fulfillment. This sense of belonging anchors the human soul to people rather than to God. It reflects those who, as Jeremiah 17:5 says, “put their trust in man and make flesh their strength,” and whose eyes, as Proverbs 27:20 observes, “are never satisfied.”
2) Sense of Eternal Homecoming (归宿):
A sense of Eternal Homecoming implies a final destination, a deep-rooted home, or a state of ultimate peace. It is where a person finds a sense of home in a “calling,” a “higher spiritual connection,” or a “purpose” that feels like destiny.
- This is where I am meant to be.
- There is a peace and a sense of ultimate refuge.
- It is more than a house; it is my safe sanctuary, my resting place.
- It is the spiritual fulfillment of God’s calling for me.
- There is a rootedness—a deep divine connection and establishment.
- I am “home.”
This sense of eternal homecoming builds faith on the heavenly country (Hebrews 11:16). Those who have it are not deterred or swayed by earthly circumstances but choose to persevere in prayer and wait on the Lord. They discern life through God’s lens, not leaning on their own understanding or making decisions according to the flesh. They know their “citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20).
The author of Hebrews reminds us not to focus on earthly promises, for we are strangers and pilgrims on the earth (Hebrews 11:13). We are assured that God has prepared a heavenly city for us, even when we often do not see the results we hope for. Yet, because we are called to do His work on earth, we must accomplish His works in genuineness of our faith—tested by fire, so that our praise, honor, and glory may be revealed at the coming of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:7).
Therefore, my prayer for all our brothers and sisters this Christmas is that we may be like the three wise Magi. Even in the darkest night, may we identify the brightest and everlasting star, and present ourselves with the holy gifts of frankincense and myrrh in true worship in the coming year. Amen.
Frank