Resources/Articles
Making The Journey To Heaven, Part 2
We often make travel plans well in advance for vacations or visiting family and friends. It is part of wisdom to have all the people and places “mapped out” with directions in order to make your journey a memorable one. Making these prearrangements allows you to enjoy your traveling experience.
When Paul was teaching people about “the Way” (Acts 24:14), it was because Jesus is “the Way,” the only Way, to the Father (John 14:6). As we travel through life following “the Way” to our God in heaven, wisely study and apply these thoughts:
Always show respect for sacred things. Marriage is a solemn union originated and managed by God. Give it your respect by fulfilling the duties assigned to you in that relationship. Truth is sacred and needs our honor. Never should it be marred by falsehood. Citizenship to the country where one lives should be respected with obedience and honor toward those in authority. When Jesus purchased His church, He desired those within the body to hold it in high regard “that it should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:27).
Do not forget to pray. It is impossible to live in Christ without prayer. Prayers are often emphasized as something that changes things. It can change our outlook. It can improve our relationship with God and others. It can bring hope when all seems lost. Someone said prayer is a summation of our religion. Learn from the examples in Scripture of both men and women who spent time in prayer. How can our journey toward heaven be complete without prayers pointed in that direction? “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Be prepared for opposition. “Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). Jesus prepared His disciples to face those who opposed them for living right. Peter said there is nothing to be ashamed of for being in Christ (1 Peter 4:16). We have nothing to regret and everything to gain by being Christians. There is no reason to apologize for living godly in this present world (Titus 2:11,12). Be ready to give an answer (1 Peter 3:15). All the equipment necessary to fight the enemy is available. Put it on (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Always have spiritual priorities. “But seek ye first His kingdom, and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). So much of this world attracts people. The love for the world increases with every generation. Those who are Christians are tempted to walk on a path that leads them closer to the world rather than closer to where God is. We are in the world, but cannot allow the world to pull us in and engulf us. The reason we need greater spiritual priorities is because they are lasting. All earthly endeavors provide temporary satisfaction. “But he that doeth the will of God abideth forever” (1 John 2:17).
