So, while driving to work this morning I was listening to a sermon about living with eternity in mind. The pastor was speaking about how we as Americans have gotten away from this - because its so easy to be comfortable in our country in this day and age. Many of us take freedom for granted, chasing after the "American Dream" - to get the white picket fence, fancy cars, big house and lots of cash in the bank. Many things he said struck me and I will definitely be studying and listening to his message again. Anyways, I was thinking for some reason about traveling... how I'd love to see all of the great places He has created on this earth - the clear blue water, the beaches the mountains - everything. For no particular reason at all, but while thinking that - He clearly said to me: "Kristi, Heaven is a reflection of the earth but without all the sin and pain. You have all of eternity to explore what I've created for you. Your time now is short, follow My will for you and you will surely enjoy "traveling" for eternity."
Of course, anytime you hear from God you take a moment to swallow what He has said. But I immediately got it - thanks to the sermon I was listening to - that yes - my time is SHORT. Your time is short! Because yes of course, it would take time for me to earn the money to take a nice vacation or trip to Europe - backpacking - or whatever. But during those trips - I would be seeking things to fulfill my flesh. Not really impacting anyone by becoming a tourist. Sure, I can be a good person - maybe give money to a homeless person along the way -but really - a vacation comes down to us getting all the comforts of the world and having others meet our needs during that time. Right? wow. What a revelation.
And then there's the fact that this goes beyond traveling. This applies in different areas of our lives as well - that the fact is - our life here on earth is gonna go by in a blink of an eye. What we do now - impacts eternity - good or bad. Are we striving for the Kingdom? Or are we striving for riches and fame? Are we going out and adopting the orphans with our large annual incomes, or are we going out and buying new fancy overpriced cars? Or worse yet, are we "storing" that money - hoarding in "incase" of an emergency. Thats a whole different topic about really trusting God that I am not going to get into right now.
But do you see my point? Does anybody else feel the sense of urgency? The urgency to make Christ known in all the Nations? That His return is near? That what we have on earth - really doesn't matter?
I do want to make it clear - that yes God loves us and as His kids - He wants to bless us. Christ paid that price for us. Am I really excited for my Kindle to arrive? You bet. Will my next car be brand new cause I've never owned a brand new car? You bet. and I am expecting God to foot the bill (meaning pay for it in cash) because he supplies all of our needs. But before you go throwing stones - please realize that if someone put a gun to my head because they wanted my car or my kindle - I would gladly give it to them to spare my life. Because those are just THINGS. But if someone wanted to take my life because I profess Jesus as my Lord - I would gladly give it to them. Well, maybe not gladly or easily - but I won't be losing anything if I do. [For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21]
Life is so much more on the other side of this life, and what we are doing right here and now should be working towards reaching those who don't already know Christ.
I believe Heaven is when we rest.
