Before you read, think for a moment...
- What do you think heaven will be like? What will be there, and what won’t? Where did you first remember getting your ideas about heaven?
- Who do you think will be in heaven? Who won’t be? Upon what do you base your conclusion? Who influenced you to think this way?
- Does it matter what we think heaven will be like, who’s in or out, and what we think get a person in or not?
- What does heaven do for us in our everyday living? Why does heaven matter to us?
Mack’s vision of heaven and its impact on his life. As part of Mack’s visit with God at the shack, God gave him a glimpse of heaven in ways that he could sort of interpret. He got to see his Missy – what joy that gave him! And he also got to see his abusive father, now fully restored, and was able to embrace him in love. Mack’s vision of heaven changed the way he thought about life on earth.
Our view of heaven impacts our sense of hope. Even if life is great for us in this life, we will all still face death and taxes. For many, heaven is that final destination where we will no longer pay taxes. And a close second behind that is heaven will be the ultimate family reunion where we get to see everybody again. But this time without any weirdness that always accompanies families of all kinds. For those who suffer in this life, heaven gets us through. Paul speaks of this in 2 Corinthians 5:1-10. For those who are poor in this world, the riches of heaven (which almost rival Disneyland) help us deal with our present poverty – our poor life here will only last a matter of years, whereas eternity is forever. Streets of gold, no more tears – this is the stuff of Revelation. For the lonely and abandoned, Jesus picture of heaven in John 14 gives us hope that one day we will be loved by our Heavenly Father – so much that He’s added rooms on to His house to accommodate us!
Our view of heaven impacts how we live out our lives today. Worship through singing isn’t everybody’s highest hope for heaven. When some hear of heaven as a place of continual worship of God where the songs never cease, they cringe. To them, that sounds like hell! To those who mostly value heaven as the family reunion, our focus here on earth is likely to be mostly about our own families. For those who see heaven as the ultimate rags to riches experience, or the miracle healing we’ve been waiting for, it can severely rob this life of much drive or meaning – we’re just surviving the days, counting the minutes until we can get the heck out of here.
Our understanding of how we gain assurance of our future entrance to heaven also impacts how we live our lives. Some people think it’s a matter of being part of the church. If I go to confession and take communion somewhat regularly, I’m in. There have been many stories told of murders who went to confession immediately before their next act of violence just in case they themselves got killed, wanting to make sure they get though those pearly gates. Others have been told to say the magic words, and they’ll be guaranteed their place in heaven. John 3:16 is often used, as is the Roman Road (Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, and 10:13). If they just say the words, they’re in. Who can argue with it - it’s right there in black and white? Some just figure everybody gets in, “as is.”
The power of congruence. Heaven, as the reality where God’s reign and presence is absolutely pure and unadulterated, is the source of all life and creation. All of our images of heaven as a hopeful place basically are rooted in this idea. When we’re there, we’re no longer shackled by all that is here. Being part of the church community isn’t the golden ticket, but the reminder of what matters. Our confession of Christ isn’t simply magic words, but reality that needs to sink in deeply, assuring us of God’s grace and forgiveness. The refiner’s fire of Malachi 3:1-3, 4:1-3, and Corinthians 3:10-15 remind us that we have before us a choice to build our lives upon that which lasts or chaff. The latter choice leads to a ridiculous life that amounts to very little now, accompanied by very little hope that heaven will be our final resting place. The former choice leads to increasingly greater life here on earth, confidently moving toward that day when all we’ve been held back by is removed.
That’s the picture I think God is after. Allowing our view of heaven to help us experience as much in this life as possible – all driven and called by God. Our motive changes to that found in 2 Corinthians 5:11-21. All of life is built on our relationship with God. Jesus Christ came to give us a living, breathing understanding of God’s heart, God’s grace, and God’s hope for all of humanity.
May you grow beyond immature, unreflective opinions of heaven. May you embrace the gift God has given you in Christ. May you walk in relationship with God in ways that reflect heaven, the source of life. And may you confidently look forward to the day when all of your Kingdom efforts are immediately brought to completion.
Think…
- How is your vision of heaven similar or different from some of the viewpoints listed here, or that you have heard?
- How is your understanding of how we get into heaven similar or different than some of the points noted above?
- How is heaven helping you live a better life today?
- How is heaven motivating your devotional life today?
- How is heaven motivating your good works today?
- How is heaven motivating your sharing Christ with others today?
- How is heaven motivating you to give generously to Kingdom causes today?
- How is heaven motivating you to improve your relationships today?
- How is heaven helping you be a better employee today?
- How is heaven helping you pray more fervently today?
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