It's no longer about following rules out of obligation but about living in loving response to a God who knows me intimately and loves me unconditionally.
I remember asking an elderly gentleman how he managed to stay so positive despite his struggles. I couldn't help but notice the serene smile on his face, a stark contrast to the obvious physical discomfort he was in.
He said, "When you've got your sights set on heaven, the bumps in the road down here don't seem so bad." His words struck a chord deep within me. Here was a man who had lived a full life, faced countless challenges, and yet maintained an unwavering focus on what truly mattered to him—making it to heaven.
That conversation sparked a journey of self-reflection and spiritual growth for me. I began to ponder what it truly means to prioritize heaven in our daily lives. It's not just about following rules or performing religious rituals; it's about aligning our hearts, minds, and actions with a higher purpose. As I delved deeper into this concept, I realized that there are certain priorities we must set if we truly wish to make heaven our ultimate destination.
1. Cultivating a Personal Relationship with God
When it comes to making heaven, there's no priority more crucial than developing a deep, personal relationship with God. It's the foundation upon which everything else is built. But what does this mean in practical terms?
For me, it's about creating a genuine connection, a two-way street of communication and intimacy with the Divine Father. I've found that this relationship grows stronger when I make time for daily prayer and meditation, not as a chore but as a cherished opportunity to converse with my Creator.
Reading and studying the Bible has also been instrumental in deepening my relationship with God. As it says in Psalm 119:105, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." When I immerse myself in Scripture, I find guidance, comfort, and a clearer understanding of God's character and plans for me.
But it's not just about what I do in my quiet time. I've learned that cultivating a relationship with God means inviting Him into every aspect of my life. Whether I'm making decisions at work, interacting with my family, or even enjoying a hobby, I try to maintain an awareness of God's presence and seek His wisdom in all things.
This priority of relationship over religion has transformed my faith journey. It's no longer about following rules out of obligation but about living in loving response to a God who knows me intimately and loves me unconditionally.
2. Living a Life of Love and Service
As I've grown in my faith, I've come to understand that making heaven isn't just about personal piety; it's about how we treat others and contribute to the world. Jesus made this clear when He said that the two greatest commandments are to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40).
Living a life of love and service isn't always easy, especially in a world that often prioritizes self-interest. But when we make a conscious effort to put others first, to show kindness and compassion even in difficult situations, we will feel closer to God and more aligned with His purposes.
This priority manifests in both big and small ways. It might mean volunteering at a local shelter, donating to worthy causes, or simply offering a listening ear to a friend in need. It's about being generous with our time, resources, and talents, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God to be shared.
I'm particularly inspired by the early Christian church described in Acts 2:44-45, "And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need." While our modern context might be different, the principle of communal care and shared resources is still relevant.
Living a life of love and service also means extending grace and forgiveness, even when challenging. As Paul writes in Ephesians 4:32, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
3. Pursuing Holiness and Righteousness
Pursuing holiness and righteousness is a critical priority if we hope to make heaven. But let's be clear: this isn't about achieving perfection or earning our way into God's good graces. Rather, it's about striving to align our lives with God's character and will.
The Apostle Peter puts it this way in 1 Peter 1:15-16, "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." This call to holiness isn't a burden but an invitation to become more like our Creator.
For me, pursuing holiness means being intentional about my choices and actions. It's about examining my thoughts, words, and deeds in light of God's Word and asking myself, "Does this honor God? Does this reflect His character?" It's a process of continuous growth and transformation, guided by the Holy Spirit.
And righteousness, as I've come to understand, is about being in the right relationship with God and others. It's not just about following rules but about having a heart that genuinely desires to do what's right and just. As Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount, true righteousness goes beyond outward actions to the motives and attitudes of our hearts (Matthew 5-7).
4. Sharing the Gospel and Making Disciples
As followers of Christ with our sights set on heaven, we have a responsibility and privilege to share the good news of salvation with others. Jesus' final command to His disciples, known as the Great Commission, makes this clear in Matthew 28:19-20.
The idea of evangelism is not only street preaching or door-to-door witnessing, which might not align with some people’s personalities. Sharing the gospel can take many forms, and it starts with simply living out our faith in our daily lives.
When we focus on loving others and serving them as Jesus would, opportunities to share our faith naturally arise. People notice that we live differently when we respond to challenges with peace and kindness, and they often want to know the source of our hope and joy.
Making disciples goes hand in hand with sharing the gospel. It's a way of making people choose Christ and requires walking alongside them as they grow in their faith. This might involve mentoring newer believers, participating in small group Bible studies, or simply being available to offer encouragement and support to fellow Christians.
5. Practicing Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual disciplines play a crucial role in deepening our faith and drawing us closer to God. These disciplines, such as prayer, fasting, meditation on Scripture, and solitude, are not meant to be burdensome rituals but tools that help us grow in our relationship with the Lord.
Prayer, as the Apostle Paul encourages in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, should be a constant part of our lives: "Pray without ceasing." It's our direct line of communication with God, allowing us to express our gratitude, confess our sins, and seek His guidance. Fasting, when done with the right motives, can help us focus our attention on God and strengthen our spiritual resolve. Jesus Himself fasted and taught about its importance in Matthew 6:16-18.
Meditation on Scripture allows God's Word to penetrate our hearts and transform our minds. As the Psalmist writes in Psalm 119:97, "O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all day." Regular Bible study helps us understand God's character and His will for our lives.
Solitude, while often overlooked, provides us with the quiet space needed to hear God's voice amidst the noise of our busy lives. Jesus frequently withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16), setting an example for us to follow.
6. Stewarding God's Resources
We must remember that everything we have on Earth is a gift from God, entrusted to us for a purpose. Good stewardship of these resources—our time, talents, and treasures—is a key priority in our journey towards eternity.
Jesus often spoke about the importance of stewardship, as in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). This parable teaches us that God expects us to use what He's given us wisely and productively, not for our glory but for the advancement of His kingdom.
When it comes to our finances, the Bible encourages generous giving. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:7, "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver." Our giving should be motivated by love and gratitude, recognizing that all we have comes from God.
Our time and talents are equally important resources to steward well. Ephesians 5:15-16 advises, "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." This means using our time wisely and investing in activities that have eternal value.
By faithfully managing the resources God has entrusted us, we demonstrate our love for Him and our readiness for the responsibilities He may give us in eternity. Good stewardship aligns our earthly lives with our heavenly calling, preparing us for our future home.
7. Cultivating Christian Community
The early Church set a powerful example of a Christian community. Acts 2:42 describes how believers "continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."
Being part of a Christian community provides us with encouragement, accountability, and opportunities for service. As the writer of Hebrews exhorts in Hebrews 10:24-25, "Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
In a world that often opposes Christian values, having a strong community of believers around us can help us stay firm in our faith. We can bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2), share in each other's joys and sorrows (Romans 12:15), and spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
As we strive to make these priorities a reality, let's remember that it's a journey, not a destination. We'll have our ups and downs, our successes and failures. But through it all, God's grace is sufficient, and His love never fails. May we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), as we journey together towards our heavenly home.
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