KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING
(4-minute read)
International travellers know that their passports, though important proof of identity and residency, do not give them passenger boarding rights. They need travel tickets to show that they have reserved seats for their passage and they need to stay in their seats for their journey. In the same way, we must not make the mistake of thinking that our identity as children of God assures us that we will surely arrive in heaven when our earthly lives come to an end.
What does the final destination for believers look like? Jesus described it this way: “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going… I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:2-4,6).
Clearly, the Christian journey does not end in this lifetime. The Bible makes it clear that there are two possible places we can end up: in heaven where we can be with Jesus, or in hell - a fiery place of eternal torment and damnation without the presence of Jesus.
If this sounds like a doom and gloom message, it’s because modern life has somehow turned eternal life into taboo and an anti-social topic. We’d rather talk about the condition of the present life rather than think about how easily we can be misguided to the wrong destination.
In truth, our heavenward journey requires a lifetime of getting to know the One who is the Way to get there. We can easily lose our way without even knowing it if our focus is on the comfort and not the path of obedience that leads us Godward.
Here are two suggestions to keep us on track:
BE MINDFUL OF HOW YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE
God cares about communities. There are constant reminders in the Bible about our roles in building communities where we live. Think about where you are now, where you work and socialize and the people you interact with. God wants us to live out His Word as active members of our communities. “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” (James 4:17).
Interestingly, most of our challenges are interpersonal. We resent someone’s confidence. We feel snubbed. We’re not treated as we had expected. What is the rule of behaviour for Christians who find themselves in socially undesirable situations? Fight, flee or freeze?
Ephesians 4:32 instructs us to “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Is this a tall order? Yes, because Christlikeness is important if the Way to heaven is Christ. The process is our spiritual growth and the product (not the goal) is fruitful living and moral goodness. We cannot afford to be reckless in our heavenward journey – no matter how bumpy the ride. We cannot be obsessed with staying safe and comfortable. We must constantly track our trajectory and pay attention to God’s Word, God’s will and God’s plan that lead us to our ultimate destination.
We never know how much time we have to reach heaven. James 4:14 addresses the importance of being mindful of living every moment we are given. “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
BE INTENTIONAL IN HOW YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE
There are two types of intentionality: we are either self-directed or surrendered to God. Those who value predictability often use best-case scenarios to ensure that their plans will succeed in delivering the anticipated outcomes. Yet, even the best plans cannot guarantee that we will live long enough to fulfill them.
On the other hand, godly intentionality involves applying our will to God’s Word even if we don’t yet see changes in our circumstances or health condition. Even when waiting on God seems impractical and incredulous, those who live with godly intentionality can be confident that they are on course to arrive at eternity with God. Along the way, they also experience a restfulness that replaces restlessness.
Our intentionality to live out God’s Word demonstrates our trust in the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. It frees us from any propensity to resist His Word and to live a life of self-denial. “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20).
Finally, know that age makes no difference in godly intentionality because we never know how long we will live. Yet, every step of the way, we can be assured of God’s presence: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you.” (Psalm 32:8-9).
This is a summary and reflection based on a virtual BIR Session held on 06 August 2022.
