The Transformative Power of Heavenly Mindedness
As followers of Jesus, we’re called to live with eternity in mind. In Colossians 3, Paul paints a vivid picture of what this looks like, urging us to set our minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. But what does this mean for our daily lives?
A Mindset That Shapes Our Lives
Paul’s words are more than just a nice sentiment; they’re a call to intentional, disciplined focus on heaven. This mindset is the foundation of the Christian life, influencing every aspect of our relationships, work, and conduct. It’s the difference between simply going through the motions and living with purpose and passion.
Heaven: A Brand in Need of Redemption
For many, the idea of heaven seems dull and uninviting. We’ve inherited a misconception that heaven is a place of eternal boredom, where we’ll be stuck playing harps in the clouds. Others see it as a distant dream, unrelated to our current struggles and joys. But what if heaven is more than just a future destination? What if it’s a present reality that can shape our lives today?
The Zero-Sum Game of Longing for Heaven
Some believe that longing for heaven means we’re not invested in the world around us. But this is a false dichotomy. Our hope for heaven doesn’t diminish our love for this world; it enhances it. We can care deeply about the people and problems around us while still acknowledging that our ultimate hope lies beyond this life.
The Pitiful Notion of Heaven
For others, heaven seems like a loss, a farewell to the familiar joys of this world. But what if heaven is not a subtraction from our lives, but an addition? What if it’s the culmination of all our deepest longings and desires?
The Forgotten Hope of Heaven
Many Christians aren’t thinking about heaven at all. We get caught up in the busyness of life and forget who God is, what he’s done for us, and who we are because of him. But our hope beyond this world is meant to touch every part of our lives.
The Birthright of Every Christian
Concrete, unshakable, life-giving hope is the birthright of every Christian. This hope is not just a safety net for the future; it’s a present reality that can shape our lives today. It’s an inheritance we can draw on right now, an inheritance that’s certain, fully funded, and freely accessible.
Why We Need a Heavenly Mindset
Our view of the future has a profound impact on our experience in the meantime. As humans, we’re wired to think about what’s coming next. We plan, we dream, we hope, and we fear. But which view of the future is shaping our lives today? Is it a hope that’s rooted in this world, or one that’s anchored in eternity?
A Hope That Transforms
Imagine two people living identical lives, but with vastly different expectations for the future. One is driven by a hope that’s limited to this world, while the other is fueled by a hope that’s rooted in heaven. Which one will live with more purpose, passion, and joy? The answer is clear. A heavenly mindset is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have for living a life that’s truly transformed by the power of Christ.
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