Nearly everyone finds it difficult relating to a
distant place called Heaven. But there is one everyday behavior that is directly
related to our Heavenly hopes. Jesus said this: So anyone who becomes as humble as
this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 18:4 (NLT). This
small child was respectful and courteous. It was probably a gentle, thoughtful youngster
who was affectionate toward everybody. This behavior is difficult for an adult
to duplicate but we have been asked to replicate it.
Some people will say that they do not aspire to be great in the Heavenly
society. With this attitude they might fail to gain Heaven altogether. The fact
is that the Scripture instructs us to: Always
be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each
other’s faults because of your love. Ephesians
4:2 .
Christians know that “God is Love” and we should be as much like our Father as
possible. The Father is expecting us to behave like that humble child who met
Jesus that day. Our behavior will be assessed when we arrive in Heaven.
God is
building his family today and he is selecting people that will make him proud.
If we were able to choose our family we would not be looking for a mean, sour
person to live with us. Paul said: Since
God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with
tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make
allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you…Colossians 3:12-13. Being a Christian is a privilege
and our behavior does count for all eternity.
James was
a plain spoken man and he said to his students: If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an
honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13. He is telling us that spiritual wisdom dictates honorable living and
humble good works. It makes perfect sense that imitating God’s ways will be rewarded
when we reach Heaven. Now good behavior can become very difficult when we treat
our own enemies with the same loving behavior. We will be wise to do our best.
In Heaven all the places of honor will go to people who have lived a
humble life. Peter was a man who had great pride early in his life. But this is
what he said after serving our Lord for years: …all of you, serve each other in
humility, for “God opposes the proud but favors the humble.” So humble
yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift
you up in honor. 1 Peter 5:5-6. Like the
rest of us, Peter had to learn that the ways of natural people are “not” the
behavior that our Lord is looking for.
The Bible says a lot about living a life that is approved by God. We are
instructed to live in a way that is respectful of everyone and honors God. We
know that Christians do suffer while on earth but that someday we will be
exalted into a life that will last forever. Loving others is something that
only the Spirit living in us can make possible. A gentle and respectful life can
become a habit. The beauty is that our conscience will be clean and clear. My
friends, do your best to behave in a way that will count for all of eternity.
