There is an interesting expression used by Paul in his first letter to the brethren in Thessalonica. Not many months after the brethren there had protected Paul and helped him to safely leave the city by night (Acts 17:5-10), Paul wrote a letter to them to impart some heavenly truths and encouragement. He noted that he had “been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart” (1 Thess. 2:17). Think about the implications of that statement.
Paul was no longer there to see the brethren in person, but he was still there “in heart.” There may be times that cause us to be separated from our brethren “for a short time.” The question is, are we still with them “in heart”? Too often, some brethren’s separation “in person” eventually leads to being separated “in heart,” too. There’s a big difference!
Where is your heart? Is your heart more interested in the treasures and pleasures of earthly life, or is your heart wrapped up in your heavenly family and your heavenly Father?