Ask 100 people about the top reason why they want to go to heaven and you’re likely to get a wide variety of answers.
Some might say that they want to never feel physical pain again.
Others might say that they want to simply experience an eternity without hassles.
And then there are those who might say they want to go to heaven in order to enjoy their “mansion over the hilltop” along with Christian relatives who are already in glory.
What is your top reason for desiring heaven?
Does it involve what you will gain from being there?
Or does it involve what you will give to God when you arrive there?
My biggest box to check when I get to heaven will actually be a combination of the last two questions.
The following passage will explain what I mean:
“And I — in righteousness will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness” (Psalm 17:15)
I am aware of my imperfections and failure to live a flawless life, despite my persistent desire to please God. That’s why I understand that a truly righteous life will not be mine until I graduate to glory.
That moment when I see His face is something that I’ve been anticipating for decades. And for however long I have left on this earth, I will continue to rank that future moment as the top reason that I want to go to heaven.
Yes, it will be great to never feel pain again.
And it will be great to never encounter hassles again.
I also am filled with excitement about enjoying my mansion in heaven, whatever that actually turns out to mean.
But if I experienced these three things without the greater blessing of that priceless, endless intimacy with God, I would have missed that which I desired most.
For it is that intimacy with God that gives worth to all else, I believe.
In the months before my wedding with Lori, there was much anticipation of the upcoming marriage in terms of our blended lives that would provide new levels of companionship, shared insights for facing life challenges and improved economic efficiencies.
What I anticipated most before the wedding, though, was seeing Lori walk down the aisle toward me as the wedding ceremony prepared to start.
When that time came, it was far more wonderful and memorable than I had anticipated.
I literally could not take my eyes off of her for the entire song.
It was great.
I will replay that mental video forever.
In an even more meaningful way, I am anticipating that moment when I see God’s face, not as He walks toward me but instead as I walk toward Him.
As the angels and saints sing, I won’t be able to take my eyes off of Him, I’m sure.
It will be great.
And I will enjoy the memory of that moment forever.
Dear friend, live life in a way that shows God that your ultimate desire is to see His face — forever.
As you dream of walking toward His throne, you’ll be more likely to walk the paths of His Word for all the days before your “graduation.”
As always, I love you
Martin
