One of our greatest tragedies is shortsightedness. Our heads get turned by the allurements of this present life and we forget its brevity. Right now is the dot on the line of forever. 

THE DOWNWARD DECEPTION

Satan has fueled this deception by painting a false picture of heaven. If we are to believe common perceptions, we think heaven is a place where we sit around on clouds and do nothing. Nothing could be further from the truth. 

Heaven is a place of administration and enterprise. It is a spot where we will do those unique things we are created and designed to do. I have heard that we only use 30% of our brain now (some use less). I’ve always wondered if this is because there is a massive part of our capabilities that are reserved for heaven. We are pre-wired for eternity.

THE UPWARD MOTIVATION

Look how Jesus motivates the church in Thyatira to rise up and live for the next world.

“He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations.” (Rev. 2:26)

We will rule and serve. Our first command from the King in the garden was to rule over the earth and subdue it. This includes our lives, the governing of ourselves and others, nature, our finances, our work–indeed everything that is under our supervision. Every good leader must learn how to live under authority and we are no exception. We cannot rule properly if we are not first submitting to God’s authority. The world around us shows the tyranny and foolishness of un-governed leaders.

Our faithfulness in this role will determine what we will be doing in heaven. It’s vital to lift our heads and take the long look and do all we do in light of that eternal perspective. This means that everyday and every choice matters. Today is about eternity.

Lord, help to live today with an eye on eternity. Let me view every relationship and responsibility in that light. And help me to faithfully live under Your authority—listening to you and doing exactly what you ask—so that I will be prepared to be usable in heaven.