Throughout the history of the church, God’s people have been preoccupied with heaven. Believers who do not have heaven on their minds trivialize their lives, hinder the power of the church, and become absorbed with the fading things of this world. A genuine and strong longing for heaven has many important implications and benefits for the Christian:1. This longing is one of the surest indicators of genuine salvation. Luke 12:334 says “Where your treasure is, there you heart will be also.”2. A genuine and strong longing for heaven produces the highest and noblest Christian character. Colossians 3:1 reminds us “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God.”3. A genuine longing for heaven brings joy and comfort in trials. 2 Corinthians 4:17 reminds us “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.”4. This longing becomes a preservative against sin. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” 5. This desire for heaven gives us a desire to serve the Lord and other believers as we are able. Galatians 5:13 tells us, “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” Heaven becomes a great motivator for our lives and hearts. Learn to live with your perspective focused not on what you may obtain in this world, but what will provide in the next.
