Recently, two movies Heaven is for Real and 90 Minutes in Heaven have provoked discussion about the validity of heaven. There has been some good dialogue to be sure along with some controversial ideas about heaven. I’m sure you’ve heard someone say, they’re so heavenly minded they’re no earthly good.’
In other words, their perception is that someone’s ‘pie in the sky’ spirituality makes no practical difference in this life. Yet, scripture gives us a completely different view.
Set your affections on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2
As C.S. Lewis said, “If you read history you’ll find that the Christians who did the most for the present world were those who thought the most of the next world.”
80% of Americans believe in heaven, but does believing in heaven make any difference in our daily lives? It’s understandable if it doesn’t make any difference to someone who is unclear about going there. Yet, they don’t have to be unsettled. God wants to give us a clear assurance.
God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
I John 5:11,13
Notice that the Apostle John doesn’t say, ‘that you might or someday have eternal life,’ but assures Christ followers that they can be absolutely confidant in knowing heaven will be their ultimate home. Not because of anything we have done, but because of what Christ has already done on the cross.
When we’re confidant of heaven it replaces our anxiety with a hopeful secure future
Having an assurance of heaven can give us real hope for our future regardless of our circumstances or suffering.
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure… Hebrews 6:19a
For our troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
The hope of heaven can help us focus our energy on the most important things
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
The treasures that will last are things that God values most. When we realize how incredibly valuable we are to God we’ll treasure our relationship with Him. We’ll point others to Him like author Max Lucado does in his children’s story ‘Just in Case You Ever Wonder.’
As you grow and change some things will stay the same. I’ll always love you. I’ll always hug you. I’ll always be right by your side. I want you to know just in case you ever wonder. Remember I’m here for you on dark nights when you hear noises in your closet you can call me. When you see monsters in the shadows you can call me.
On hard days when kids are mean and don’t treat you like they should you can come to me. If your grades are bad and your teacher is mad you can come to me because I love you. I’ll always love you. Just in case you ever wonder.
And God wants me to tell you about heaven because it’s a wonderful place.There’s no more tears there, there’s no more monsters there, there’s no more mean people there. You never have to good night or say I’m hungry. You’ll never get cold or sick or afraid. And In heaven you are so close to God He will hug you just like I hug you. It’s going to be wonderful. I’ll will there too, I promise. We will be there together forever. Remember that just in case you ever wonder.
May our hope of heaven not only make a significant difference in our daily lives, but also point others to Him. Now, go out there and give them heaven!
