Warning … I might start off sounding rather … heretical in my attitude, but don’t worry, the light will shine in the darkness I am about to create 😉 .
A number of months ago I opened up a certain social networking site to see a status update, by one of my ‘friends’, that made me want to stick a finger down my throat to indicate gagging. The status of this ‘friend’ was similar to others posted by this individual … very … spiritual, kind of … holier-than-thou …
My first thought was (and this is where you might start to doubt my walk with God) that this person is simply too heavenly minded to be any Earthly good.
Every time I would read a new status update by this individual, it was so … god-talk, and it drove me rather buggy. I wondered if this person had any non-Christian friends, or if they had all be scared off by the churchy-talk.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I did not disagree with what was being shared in this person’s status’, it’s just that … well, if they scared me off, and I share their beliefs, what does that do to those around them who do not?
Let me give you a comparison …
I love eagles! I am in awe of the ease with which they soar through the air, despite their size, despite the wingspan they have. When I see an eagle in the sky, it is like when my dog sees a squirrel!
Well, the other day, I was driving along the road when my eye caught an enormous eagle in the sky. I do not think that I have ever seen one with such a large wingspan. Although all alone in my car, I was audibly declaring my ‘ooohs and awes.’ All of a sudden I remembered that I was indeed driving a car, and was glad that I did, since the traffic ahead of me was coming to a halt (and I came to an even more abrupt halt).
Once safely stopped, I glanced skyward to see the flying beast, but it was gone from my sight.
My eagle story reminded me of my holier than thou friend.
There is something so right in acknowledging and enjoying that flying eagle. Really it would be a shame to not appreciate such an amazing beast. But, when I am driving a car, driving safely needs to be my number one priority … I cannot take my attention from what I am doing in the present moment.
In a similar way, focusing on heaven is so right, because it is my destination. It would be a great shame to not appreciate such an amazing eternal future that those of us, who believe in Christ, have awaiting for us in heaven. But, when we are living our Earthly life, our focus needs to be on living this life of kingdom living … of sharing the joy, and love, and good news of life with Christ here and now … not just the life after death. It is in the driving with focus on this life, that we arrive better prepared for our final destination. After all we are living the kingdom life her … now, and not just after we die from our Earthly existence.
This Earthly existence is the kingdom existence, we do not have to dream of heaven, of walking the streets of gold with our Savior. He walks with us NOW, He is present NOW. His kingdom is not up in the clouds, and our thoughts need not be there either. The kingdom of God is at hand … lets keep our hands on the wheel, and our eyes on what is immediately in front of us.
“Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” Luke 17:20-22
itsawonderfilledlife 