Becoming Heavenly-Minded
June 27, 2008

“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.” Matthew 24:42

Are you alert for the Lord’s coming? Do you “long for his appearing” (II Timothy 4:8)? Is heaven your bright, eternal hope (Romans 8:22-25)?

Heaven can seem very far away – removed and distant from our world. With long hours at the office, children to care for, constant cell phones ringing and all the rest of it, eternity is a word that is in the Book but often far from our heart.

What difference would it make if we were on the alert for heaven? If we set our hope there, and kept our eyes on the prize?

• We might handle trials and difficulties better: “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.” (II Corinthians 4:17)
• We might have more courage, knowing that the war has already been won. “The last enemy that will be abolished is death.” (I Corinthians 15:26)
• We might take more care to live a holy life. “But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.” (I Thessalonians 5:8)

These are just a few of the benefits we reap by keeping our eyes focused on the hope of heaven – there are many more.

So don’t wander off the track or sit down on the sidelines. Keep your eyes on the finish line – your reward is waiting!

• How often do you think of heaven or eternity? What do you think about it?
• What areas of your life would benefit from having an eternal mindset?
• How can you incorporate a heavenly perspective in those areas of your life?
• What are you most looking forward to in heaven?