“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” — Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)
Of all the wonders our Creator provides us, a boundless and unadulterated relationship with Jesus vastly exceeds them all. Jesus is the best thing we will ever know. His love restores, satisfies, transforms and heals. His grace empowers and brings transcendent peace. His nearness resolves the great fears of our hearts. And His Kingship calls us to a right lifestyle of living for Heaven rather than a pursuit of that which is worldly and fleeting.
Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV) says, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
You and I have limited space in our hearts. When we choose to fill our lives with the things of the world, we crowd out that which will truly fill us: a pure and abounding relationship with Jesus. It’s for this reason that Jesus said in Matthew 6:24 (ESV), “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
As disciples of Jesus, we must learn to lead different lives than others around us. Instead of looking to others as our standard for what is good or right, we must look to Jesus. Instead of setting the bar for our lives by looking at “successful” people, even “successful” Christians, we must set our bar at living like Jesus. Jesus valued relationship with the Father above all else. He valued obedience to the Father’s will above all other pursuits. Every breath He breathed was done to the glory of God the Father and in fulfillment of His plans, and you and I are to do the same.
To live for Heaven is to throw off every weight that would hinder us from pursuing the fullness of relationship with Jesus. To live for Heaven is to declare with our thoughts, actions and emotions that Jesus truly is Lord of lords and King of kings, and that He is worthy of our lives. To live for Heaven is to make as much room in our hearts for Jesus as possible. Live for Heaven today and discover the wealth of a relationship and satisfaction available to you only through the sole pursuit of Jesus.
— Craig Denison, First 15
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