Heaven is a state of mind (and other soul crushing lies)
In 1994’s Usual Suspects, Kevin Spacey’s character delivers one of the more memorable quotes of the movie saying, “The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist” While I think that Spacey’s character was right on in many ways, I would have to say that the devil has done better. A better trick the Devil pulled was convincing the world that heaven is not something to look forward to or sacrifice for.
The Bible is filled with people looking forward to the reward to come. Christ’s sermon on the mount is focused for a large part on heaven. Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth. This admonition is clearly pointed at eternity, because the meek have been and will be trampled on in this world. Hebrews 12:2 says, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” In other words, Christ focused on the joy beyond the cross to steel his resolve. This is seen in His life and certainly the lives of other persecuted saints who have gone before us.
But why is this so critical for us today? By God’s endless grace, he has captured me more fully with a better understanding of heaven. Heaven is going to be very much like the best meal you ever had with great friends, laughter, good food and good drink. These times are etched into our memory and take on a other worldly shine. This is NOT a coincidence, but rather a signpost pointing us towards heaven. Not only that though, but heaven will be so very much more. Take that great time, and see it as a circle drawn on a piece of paper. Heave will be a 3d sphere in comparison, same form but so much more full.
In America today, we are pretty comfortable (understatement of epic proportions). We have all we need and essentially strive to create heaven on earth. This is a hopeless task, but sadly Christians fall right into it as well (myself included). We were meant for more. If we are washed by Christ’s blood and have an eternity of complete fulfilledness, then selfless-ness starts to make sense. Going out of my way to sacrifice for people, even ones that don’t appreciate or receive it, are ways to more fully stretch my capacity to enjoy Christ and others for the rest of time. This is a privilege, not a duty. We should count it JOY.
Obviously, this is my soapbox. May Christ grant more of his followers and co-heirs (Can you believe it?!?!?!?!) a clearer vision of the joy set before us. Let’s dismantle the devil’s tricks a little more today.
Good Stuff. I think a good first step to coming to grips with the truth would be admitting that you’ve bought into the “heaven is unimportant now” lie.
Say it again and again! And more importantly pray it again and again. The Lord wants this lie smoked out and into the light where it can lose its power.
I heard a story of an African living in United States who was asked what he thought of the American Church. He said that there were a great many wonderful things that we have hear, but that we never preach about heaven. He then smiled and said “In Africa, we preach about heaven all the time!”
As good as we have it here (and we should be grateful to God and to our ancestors for that) we have to remember that we are playing at goodness compared to what will be in the restored world.
I would add that we need to avoid the opposite mistake of thinking that life here is unimportant. Remember, we aren’t going to spend eternity in heaven. The New Jerusalem is coming here. What we do for the good here has lasting consequences for the perfected Earth we will inherit with Christ.