Be Heavenly Minded

Have you ever been warned against being "so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good?" If so, realize that the Bible teaches quite the opposite. You are supposed to be heavenly minded (Col. 3:1-2). You are supposed to direct your thoughts towards heavenly aspirations (Lk. 12:33-34).Consider the brevity of your present life - even if you live for 100 years. Compared to eternity - to forever - 100 years is a very short period of time. And within this very brief moment that we call life, a barrage of distractions cross your path. All kinds of things to experience, things to have, and opportunities for notoriety and success - all of these things captivate your attention and weave themselves into your goals and aspirations in life (1 Jn. 2:15-17). But be aware that devoting your attention to the experiences of this life is comparable to booking a cruise on a sinking ship. All that this world offers is already deteriorating into oblivion, even as you read this post (1 Jn. 2:17).What is the alternative? To be heavenly minded. To set goals and make decisions that impact eternity. Personal choices, family choices, vocational choices, future planning choices - in all of these choices, think beyond this life. Aim for eternity. Keep the big picture in mind. Think beyond tomorrow, beyond next year, and beyond a comfortable and enjoyable retirement. Live for the kingdom of heaven, the kingdom of God.This kind of thinking is remarkably practical and accomplishes incredible good on the earth in your present life. It recognizes the authority of Jesus Christ over all things now as well as in eternity. It motivates you to trust Him, draw near to Him, and obey Him. It encourages genuine humility and patience, kindness and forgiveness, courage and compassion, sacrifice and contentment (Matthew 5-7).As you reflect on these thoughts, I encourage you to consider the words written by former cricket superstar, C. T. Studd (1860-1931) in his poem Only One Life? This was a man who abandoned the fame and fortune that accompanies the life of a superstar athlete and surrendered to the gospel ministry. He wrote this:

Two little lines I heard one day,

Traveling along life's busy way;

Bringing conviction to my heart,

And from my mind would not depart;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, 

Only what's done for Christ will last.

 

Only one life, yes only one,

Soon will its fleeting hours be done;

Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet,

And stand before His Judgement seat;

Only one life,'twill soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

 

Only one life, the still small voice,

Gently pleads for a better choice

Bidding me selfish aims to leave,

And to God's holy will to cleave;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

 

Only one life, a few brief years,

Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;

Each with its clays I must fulfill,

living for self or in His will;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

 

When this bright world would tempt me sore,

When Satan would a victory score;

When self would seek to have its way,

Then help me Lord with joy to say;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

 

Give me Father, a purpose deep,

In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;

Faithful and true what e'er the strife,

Pleasing Thee in my daily life;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

 

Oh let my love with fervor burn,

And from the world now let me turn;

Living for Thee, and Thee alone,

Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

 

Only one life, yes only one,

Now let me say,"Thy will be done”;

And when at last I'll hear the call,

I know I'll say “twas worth it all”;

Only one life,'twill soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ will last.