Colossians
3:1-3
Since you have been raised to new life
with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at
God’s right hand in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your
thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. For you died when
Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.
A
few months ago during a women’s Bible study, a discussion about heaven began.
It was during that conversation that a few women revealed the fact that the thought
of heaven did not cross their minds very often. Not that they didn’t understand
and comprehend the realities of heaven and were looking forward to going there
when their life on earth would come to an end, but just speaking straight from
their heart, they revealed what the majority of Christians don’t even realize
about themselves.
Is it wrong to not think about heaven or
eternity on a regular basis? Well, according to this scripture, we should be
allowing heaven to fill our thoughts on a regular basis, simply for the fact
that it would keep us focused on our purpose and mission. When we allow life on
earth to occupy our heart and mind, we begin to set up our own little kingdom
here rather than in eternity, and we need to remember that we are only passing
through this place. Our final destination is with the Lord, earth is simply an
extended layover.
Let’s say you’re taking a long trip to a
beautiful destination; a place you’ve dreamed of visiting your entire life.
But, in order to get to that beautiful destination, you have to make a
scheduled layover stop in another city to catch a connecting flight. As your
waiting in the airport to make your connection to your final destination, you
may catch a quick bite to eat, take a restroom break or buy some reading
material, to fill your time while you wait. But, you would never consider,
purchasing a house, looking for a job or putting down roots in that particular city.
Why? Because it’s not your final destination; it’s just a layover stop on the
way to your intended goal. You would accomplish what needs to be accomplished
while you’re there, but stopping and settling is not an option. Your focus lies
on what’s ahead of you.
Do you see the point I’m trying to make?
Life on earth is just a layover stop on our way to our final destination.
Instead of accomplishing what needs to be accomplished while we’re here, we
stop and settle. We gather belongings and possessions to set up our own
kingdom, and it’s holding us back and weighing us down from reaching our
intended goal. Our treasure is in our belongings rather than in eternity. Matthew
6:21 reads, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Whatever you place great value on, that’s where your heart will be too. If you
value your house, job, family and material possessions, then your heart will be
attached to those things forcing you to do whatever it takes to keep those
things close at hand. If you value Christ and your relationship with him, then
your heart will already be with him in eternity and you will do whatever it
takes to get there, as soon as you can.
I’m not saying we should neglect our
family and responsibilities, I’m just saying it’s a matter of our heart. Are we
in love with ourselves and our desires or does Christ reign as number one in
our lives? That’s an interesting question to ask ourselves today.
Take some time to
think about Matthew 6:21 today. Where is your treasure? Once you answer that
question, you’ll be able to find your heart. Take some time to contemplate
heaven and eternity. Ask God to give you a clear view and understanding of both.
Have
a great day!
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