TMOTCS: KEEPING HEAVEN IN VIEW ON EARTH
To keep heaven in view on earth is to be separated from all that is sinful and displeasing to God. We are to be separated from the formality of a powerless religion (2 Cor 6:14-17); from all the pleasures of a sinful world which include worldly associations, worldly fashions, worldly standards, worldly speech (1 Joh 2:15-17); and from the deceptions of a self-centred life (3 John 9). This is how to live for heaven on earth.
As believers, we are to follow Christ at all times. His call to us is “Follow Me” (John 21:19). To follow Him is not only by leaving behind the things which are displeasing to Him but going forward and finding fellowship with Him. The Christian life is not one of ”do’s and don’ts” alone but to leave the world behind and go to Jesus Himself. To believe on Him (John 16:31); (John 21:17); to belong to Him (Mark 9:41); and to live for Him (2 Cor 5:15). This is the only way to “Follow Him”.
Living life of separation and keeping heaven in view involves sacrifice. During Jesus’ earthly life and ministry, He was misunderstood, hated, ostracised and rejected. He is still misunderstood and rejected by the world today. As followers of Him, we must not expect an easy time. We must be ready to bear the burden as we follow and identify with Him in His rejection. We are to live for heaven as pilgrims on earth for we have no “continuing city” here (Heb 13:14). Heaven is home and this world is a marketplace! (John 14:1-3)
