Living in Light of Heaven: 7 Reminders to Keep Your Eyes on the Prize (Part 1)

4/17/2020

By: Alyssa Mendez

As Christians, we know in our minds that we will live forever with Jesus in heaven. But in our hearts, are we truly looking forward to His return or Him calling us home at any given moment? CCA’s Content Specialist Alyssa Mendez shares 7 facts about heaven to remind us of the paradise that awaits Christians when it is our time to come home.

Every Easter, Christians remember Jesus’ death on the cross and celebrate His resurrection and victory over darkness. Although these historical moments are the cornerstones of our faith, there are also other tenants that deserve to be recognized with just as much holy reverence and anticipation among God’s people.

. . . are we truly looking forward to His return . . ?

As believers, we know in our minds that we will live forever with Jesus in heaven. But in our hearts, are we truly looking forward to His return or Him calling us home at any given moment?

I admit that there’s been times in my life when I’ve selfishly asked the Lord to return after I experience the joy of having kids and raising them. Perhaps you have similar sentiments or other longings of the heart you really want to experience first before going to heaven. Or maybe you know in your mind that heaven is an incredible place, but you’re a little scared of the idea of one day living forever in a place you’ve never been to that’s outside of this earth and hard to envision.

Colossians 3:2 tells us to think about the things of heaven, not about the things of earth. I think the Lord tells us this through Paul because He knew how much we would struggle with the distractions and things of this world. When I get wrapped up in my daily to-dos, future goals, and possessions, it becomes so easy for my eyes to wander from that heavenly perspective.

He knew how much we would struggle with the distractions and things of this world.

Verse four of Colossians 3 goes on to state that, “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

Now, I don’t know about you, but that phrase who is your life punches me in the gut with conviction, but at the same time, it also serves as a refresh button that allows me to see what I’ve been needing to see.

The things we hold onto tightly in this world — our spouses, children, careers, finances, travels, accomplishments, dreams, etc. — are not “our life”; CHRIST IS! Plain and simple.

When we live each day cognizant of that reality and are intentional about storing up our treasures in heaven instead of here on earth, we will be able to ease our grip on the things He’s blessed us with because we know they are fleeting and ultimately belong to him. And as a result, the thought of leaving this earth will more likely fill us with great joy as opposed to fear or reluctance.

The things we hold onto tightly in this world are not “our life”; CHRIST IS!

So what’s waiting on the other side for those who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ? Do we really understand what’s at the end of the race we are running? If letting go of the things of this world is challenging for us, are we underestimating how amazing heaven will actually be?

You may have heard what heaven is like at some point in your Christian walk, but I believe we need to be reminded of what it’s like often so our hearts can yearn more for the paradise that awaits us:

There will be absolutely no more pain, suffering, mourning, decay, or destruction; it will be filled with God’s righteousness instead! (Revelation 21:4; Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Peter 3:13)
There will be continual light, with the source being the Son of God; we will shine too in this sinless place! (Revelation 22:1-5; Matthew 13:43)
Jesus is thoughtfully preparing for our arrival. (John 14:2; Revelation 21:1-5)
The city’s gates will be made of pearls and adorned with every kind of precious jewel; the streets will be made of pure gold. (Revelation 21:19-21)
Jesus will dwell with his people who will worship Him and represent every tribe, tongue, and nation. (Revelation 21:1-5; Revelation 7:9; Revelation 5:13)
Our earthly bodies will be transformed into glorious bodies. (Philippians 3:20-21)
We’ll be reunited with loved ones who were also saved. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

Although the Bible does give us a glimpse of heaven, we’ll never be able to fully fathom its perfection until it is our time to come home. One of my favorite Christian artists Phil Wickham has a song called Heaven Song that paints a beautiful picture of heaven, and I leave you with this verse to ponder:

I hear Your voice and I catch my breath
Well done my child enter in, in rest

As tears of joy roll down my cheek
It's beautiful beyond my wildest dreams

. . . are we underestimating how amazing heaven will actually be?

Now that we’re super pumped and ready to make our home in heaven according to God’s perfect timing, next week on the CCA Blog, I’ll be sharing how we can make the most of our time here on earth and what practical steps we can take to prepare for Jesus Christ’s imminent return!

Alyssa Mendez joined the CCA family this year and serves as the Content Specialist on the Marketing and Communications team. She is a UF grad, wife to a chef, and proud dog mom to one of this year’s CCA Auction puppies named Sadie. Alyssa is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Leadership at Nova Southeastern University and will be graduating from the program this June.

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Elizabeth Aviles
4/17/2020 @ 3:36 PM

Love this article! Feeling blessed to read these amazing posts of yours Alyssa Mendez. Indeed we are to look for the things above and not rely on the things of this world. For God's promise of heaven and His returning for his bride is one great thing to look forward to.

Living in Light of Heaven: 7 Reminders to Keep Your Eyes on the Prize (Part 1)

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