Years ago, I heard an illustration that pierced deep within my soul. I’ve shared it many times. Francis Chan stood before his church, holding a rope in his hands. The tip of it had been colored red. Just the tip. The rest of the rope couldn’t even be seen. He said, this is our life… the red tip is our life on earth. The rest of the rope is our life in heaven. In other words, our life on earth is VERY little compared to our life in heaven. James says that our life is like the morning fog… here for a little while, then it’s gone (James 4:14). I believe that Francis Chan was saying the same thing as the apostle Paul in our key verse – we need to live with a heavenly perspective.
Here’s what that doesn’t mean… it doesn’t mean that we just sit back in our recliner waiting to die so that we can be with Jesus. In fact, Jesus said that we should occupy until He returns (Luke 19:13). Hence, be about the work of heaven. Live with a heavenly perspective, not an earthly one. Let’s examine three ways we can do this…
1) Endure patiently! Hebrews offers us one of the most powerful chapters in all of Scripture – Hebrews 11 (better known as the Hall of Faith Museum). When we read this chapter, we are reminded of all the biblical people who did amazing things because of their faith. But we often neglect the conclusion of this chapter, where the writer said that there were plenty more who suffered, but remained faithful. How were they able to remain faithful? By keeping their eyes on what was promised to them… heaven. By doing this, they were able to find joy in the midst of their troubles. Enduring patiently means that I replace complaining with worship. I choose to worship Jesus, stay faithful to His Word, and remain devoted to the work He has put before me no matter what’s going on.
2) Be the hands of feet of Jesus! No one is guaranteed tomorrow. Therefore, we should live as though today may be the last for both me and the people I am in contact with today. Encourage people with kindness. Speak truth to people in love not condemnation. Extend your hands to help people in need rather than ignoring their needs. Tell everyone about their need for Jesus. Love rather than hate. Jesus left us on this earth to fulfill His mission. Since He is no longer here, we are to carry on His work and show His love to others by our actions, not just our words.
3) Continually seek spiritual wisdom and understanding! Paul said to the Colossian believers: “I ask God to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Colossians 1:9). Like today, the Christians of the first century were inundated with false teachers and deceptive theology. Deception is growing and invading the church. The Bible says that in the last days, there will be a GREAT falling away from the faith (2 Thessalonians 2:3). This is very true of the day we’re living in. This is why we need spiritual wisdom and understanding right now. Here’s the thing.,.. spiritual wisdom and understanding is a gift that every Christian can have. There is no secret to getting it… it comes into our hearts and lives by the consistent study of God ‘s Word and nurturing a relationship with Jesus.
So, let’s live with a heavenly perspective every day as we await Christ’s return.