Heaven, How Amazing Is It? Part 1 of "Heaven and Hell"Sample

How does heaven give me a different perspective on life?

Therefore let’s also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a crowd of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2 WEB).

Those who live with eternity in their hearts look at life on earth differently (Colossians 3:1-4). Everything comes into a different perspective: the things we prioritize, setbacks and sufferings we face, things we get our joy from.

If you live daily in the knowledge that eternal glory awaits you, you are better able to endure discomfort and adversity. Paul, who suffered much for the Gospel, writes: "For I am convinced that the sufferings of the present time do not outweigh the glory that will be revealed to us" (Romans 8:18). Suffering on this earth can be beyond words. All the more extraordinary that this suffering will be nothing compared to the glory that awaits believers in Christ.

When you taste something of the weight of eternity, you are ready to give priority to the Kingdom of God. Then you will persevere in following Jesus. Consider how extraordinary it is that the Creator of the universe Himself ran the race of faith, going further than anyone else! He could keep going because His eyes were fixed on "the joy that was set before Him".

In what way does your view of eternity give color to your earthly existence?