Note to Self

Note to Self: Read this when you are stressing about ANYTHING...

What happens to us after we die? Does our soul depart our earthen shell and rise up into the heavens like we see in the movies? Or does our soul wander the earth? Do we have souls? What picture comes to mind when you think of heaven? Is it a place you look forward to or does the thought of heaven seem boring? Are there many heavens? Is heaven in the here and now or in the hereafter? There are different ideologies on the concept of heaven and eternity in our world. According to Hollywood, everyone goes to heaven. From the murderous gang lord who dies in an all-out gang war to the wild, hedonistic pop star. Some think of heaven as a depot for all departed souls to reunite, others think of it merely as a place to do nothing but sing and be merry, while others do not believe in the existence of such a place at all.

Alas, this is not to debate over theological concepts but to state a simple truth: HEAVEN is ETERNAL PERFECTION.

With all the creativity of the human mind for the latest technology and innovation, we are all still humbled by the magnificence of nature. All it takes to recognize this is to look up to the skies - the intricacies of a clear blue sky with countless clouds suspended in them that never fall to the ground, or to marvel at vast oceans that have stayed contained in the same location for thousands of years before. Perhaps, you have been opportune to visit a natural "wonder", whether rock formations or cascading waterfalls, and you truly did wonder. Science has done admirable work of interpreting certain functions of these wonders to human understanding. However, the truth remains that science is finite in understanding. I am of the school of thought that all creation is the work of a masterful creator. One creator is THE Creator of the universe, the God of the heavens and the earth. Imagine this, despite human creativity and excellence, human beings have always questioned and wondered and we still do. This is because, despite all of mankind's creativity, one still transcends. HE puts creativity in man in the first place. How much more glorious and awe-inspiring are His own works? Eternity presents us with a mind-blowing construct of God's own design. Jesus puts it this way " In my Father's house, there are many mansions..."(John 14:2a)

 A natural wonder

Eternity in heaven is the definition of satisfaction in perfection. Let's face it - in our world, we are overwhelmed with desires, both good and evil. As a teen, I looked forward to striking out on my own. I would often daydream about putting a stamp on my own place - what furniture would I buy? What aesthetic style would I go for? Now, as an adult, I should be happy with where I am today. In fact, I could not have envisioned my current life as it is. The curious thing is even now, I keep on wanting. I wonder what it would be like to have a patio or certain amenities. I want to buy another piece of furniture I don't need. It never ends! Eternity is the final solution to this issue of unending dissatisfaction with our lives. For a person who has taken up the offer of salvation in Jesus Christ, eternity begins with a transformation into new, immortal, perfect, glorious bodies that feel no weaknesses, have no faults, and live forever (Phil. 3:21, 1 Cor. 15:53). We will be so satisfied in eternity in our perfected bodies that all worries, challenges, tribulations, and even desire for earth's pleasures will cease. Our glorious, perfect bodies come with ultimate complete satisfaction as part of the package. 

Think of your greatest desire- a new job? a new home? a new car? No matter what it is, no earthly innovation of the highest pedigree could ever compare to God's design. Even the physical desires we have for intimacy are quenched in eternity. Marriage on earth is a symbolic representation of the union of Jesus Christ and the church. Well, in eternity, we get to commune with Jesus daily. We will actually behold Him! There is no 'single' person in eternity. All earth labels will not apply. Sickness will not exist because our bodies are perfect. Trauma or abuse of any kind cannot exist there either. On earth, it is a common occurrence that hurt people hurt people. In heaven, there are no hurt people. We all will be fully complete. Perhaps, the best part is that sin cannot exist in eternity. Satan will be rendered completely powerless and his reign will cease abruptly. 

So what happens when there is absolutely no earthly desire in us? Our ONLY desire will be WORSHIP! The misconception of heaven being boring is because of the view of worship in the way a certain bible scripture describes the angels and 24 elders worshipping God (Rev. 4:10). The truth is our nature in eternity will naturally gravitate towards worship. 

Sometimes, as a single twenty-something-year-old woman, I don't get it. I subconsciously find myself swept up in sayings like "YOLO", "The hustle don't stop", and "Fake it till you make it". The goal of always making money, having 'fun', and only living in the present. It is a very hopeless existence. Even as a Christian, it can become second nature to pray over certain situations like life depends on it, like there is no greater purpose to living. It is so easy to get caught up and want marriage sooo badly, kids sooo badly, a job sooo badly, to be acknowledged sooo badly. All good things but NOT the end itself. The goal is eternity. As a Christian, my charge is to arise for the salvation of others. All are supposed to enjoy eternity and this should be a burden to pray about desperately. A Christian's charge is intercession for this very reason. Prayer for the salvation of souls, prayer for God's will to be done, and for His kingdom to come so we can stop running in the hamster wheel of life. 

Our entire mindscape should be eternity. The wonderful thing is that as we redirect our focus to Him, God-math directs all the other desires that are in alignment with His will and His kingdom into our lives. Seeking God first means every other aspect of life is taken care of by Him (Matt. 6:33). When the desire for Him transcends every other desire, peace and contentment replace anxiety and worry. In fact, this is a small glimpse of heaven on earth. We then appreciate and NOT idolize His blessings. For these reasons, let your prayer always be " Your Kingdom come Lord and your will be done". Amen.

Note to self: Heaven is the Goal...