Behavior That Counts

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.