Living in the Physical and Eternal

Dual Citizenship

The moment we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we begin our eternal life. We live both in the physical and spiritual world at the same time. This means what we do here on earth can affect heaven and the spiritual world.

We live on earth as a citizen of heaven. A dual citizenship of sorts.

The unfulfilled longings and nagging feelings we experience here are due to the fact we were not made for this earth. We were made for perfection. God created us to live in perfect harmony in His presence and with the world He created.

So until our permanent home is heaven, how can we live in this imperfect and lost world, yet impact heaven by keeping our minds on things above (Colossians 3:2)?

Heavenly Population

What happens on earth does not stay on earth. What happens on earth can have eternal ramifications. We have the privilege of helping to populate heaven with those whom we share the gospel. God’s plan of salvation even causes the angels to wonder in amazement (1 Peter 1: 12). We can make a difference in heaven’s population!

My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (James 5: 19-20 ESV)

Rejoicing

When we join God in His work and help add to heaven’s roster, there is much rejoicing - on earth yes, but also in heaven. Can you picture it? Those in the heavenlies celebrating by high fiving, throwing confetti, and maybe even doing the wave at Jesus’ feet!

**Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. (Luke 15:7 ESV)**

Hinder/Help Spiritual Activity

Whether we realize it or not, spiritual activity is going on all around us all day and night.

Angels are used by God in many ways. One of which is to help the saints – those of us who have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior (Hebrews 1:14). And we can help – or hinder – them.

While we may not know exactly what they are doing when, we certainly know what pleases the Lord and can be on the look out to do good works God created in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10).

Plus, several times in Scripture “the angel of the Lord” was the Lord himself!

Conversely, Satan and his minions are wreaking havoc. He is the prince of the air and is always working against mankind (Ephesians 2:2, John 10:10). But we too can add to his destructive work unintentionally. What movies, books, or games, etc. do we allow in our home and expose to impressionable minds?

Are we lacking self-control in certain areas, potentially causing others to stumble, such as the way we handle our anger and conflict, eating or drinking too much, being careless with our words, etc.?

These may seem innocent or deemed “light sins”, but we must be aware we may be hindering some being attracted to and entering heaven (Romans 14:17-19).

You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. (James 5: 8-9 ESV)

Good Works

Many things vie for our attention in this world – and many of them good things, but like Mary (of Mary and Martha), we must choose the better things. Isn’t it amazing God Almighty, the Lord of the universe is always working and He invites us to join Him in His work (John 5:17)?

We get to do things that please our Heavenly Father and make an eternal difference at the same time. Again we must keep our focus on things above. There is nothing wrong with physical possessions, but God knows those don’t truly satisfy the longing in our souls.

We were created with a purpose and to do good works (Ephesians 2:10). Nothing is more satisfying than fulfilling our God given roles, pointing others to eternal salvation and complete freedom in Christ.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”. (Matthew 6:19-21 ESV)

Our Lineage

The book of John 3 verse 4 says I have not greater joy than to know my children are walking in the truth. We get the privilege of introducing our children to Jesus, and therefore their children, etc. He is the Way, Truth, and Light and has rescued us from the dominion of darkness (John 14:6, Colossians 1:13). There is no greater news we can pass on to the next generation!

No matter how small or insignificant we may think they are, our words and actions ripple out to not only those currently around us, but to those in our lineage. Everything we do or say can draw someone closer to heaven or push them away - even generations removed from us *gulp*.

So let’s ask God daily to help us to live in the world, but not be of the world and to remember we have the privilege of bettering not only the physical world we live in, but our heavenly home as well.