Keeping It In Perspective!

The statement has been made that some people are so heavenly minded they are of no earthly good. Certainly heaven is the destination we ought to have in mind. We must live aware that this world is not our home -- heaven is. That is where our citizenship is ( Philippians 3:20) and we should have a natural longing to be there. However, it is possible to become some fixed on eternity that we forget we do have a PURPOSE HERE to fulfill. We must be careful to keep it all in proper perspective.

We noted yesterday how Paul had a longing to depart and be with the Lord. However, as much as he looked forward to going home, he kept a proper perspective for this life as well. Paul’s goal was for Christ to be honored in his body whether it be in his life or his death. ( Philippians 1:20)

After expressing his longing to depart and be with Christ, Paul stated….
“(24) But TO REMAIN IN THE FLESH IS MORE NECESSARY ON YOUR ACCOUNT.
(25) Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, FOR YOUR PROGRESS AND JOY IN THE FAITH, (26) so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.” ( Philippians 1:24-26 ESV)

We noted the “I’d rather be…” statements in yesterday’s focus and as we read them on vehicles going down the road I’m sure our hope is that the drivers of those vehicles will, at least for now, continue to be focused on the driving they are supposed to be doing.

As much as Paul longed to go on to his heavenly inheritance, he recognized there were things here on earth he needed to focus on doing; there were still lives to be impacted through his ministry for Christ. Even though his longing for Heaven was deep, he never seemed to lose sight of his PURPOSE ON EARTH. Paul was convinced of the assurance of hope for eternity, but he knew what was more necessary while he lived and was willing to expend himself on behalf of others. He was willingly living out his PURPOSE on earth ( Acts 9:15-16) given to him by the Lord.

Certainly we need to focus on “things above” ( Colossians 3:2) so that we can discern properly between that which is of utmost importance from that which does not last. A heavenly focus is to aid us in keeping the activities of this realm and life’s Divine PURPOSES in perspective. Such a focus helps to remind us of the urgency of what we have been called to do on earth that relates to eternity, not only for ourselves, but also for those around us. May we each keep Heaven’s PURPOSES in mind for our earthly lives.

Have a great day BEING HEAVENLY MINDED FOR GOOD ON EARTH!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Attitudes