I observe a fear prevailing in the Christian culture. It imagines Heaven as a Bible camp, a choir practice, a long church service or a spiritual retreat of fasting and prayer.
These fears stem from misconceptions about the Christian “religion” itself. Outside observers, and even inside participants, can easily be drawn into believing “Christianity” is about rituals, a list of dos and don’ts and selling and giving up everything. It is also easy to assume the spiritual retreats, long church services and bible camps are just attempts to convince us to believe the “religion.” The more sessions we attend the sooner we’ll be convinced…
Is the ultimate hope for a follower of Jesus Christ– morning, noon and night Bible teachings, marathon praise sessions and a monk-like experience?
The whole of the Bible speaks to an something far grander! Jesus said in John 10:10,
“… I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.”
Jesus did not come to Earth to make unreligious people religious. Jesus came to restore a relationship with us, and give us life, so we can be transformed today and experience eternity with Him tomorrow.
When I was growing up, I never looked forward to praise and worship because I was just mouthing the words. The words I sang were not coming from the heart. I didn’t look forward to Bible camp either. I was just checking a box and trying to fit into a mold. In reality, I was doing my own thing and going my own way.
But after I surrendered my life to Jesus and I began a relationship with Him, praise and worship became vital to my walk with the Lord.
The best times, the deepest connections, the most thrilling moments I’ve spent with my Jesus, are all surrounded with praise and worship.
And the deeper truth is, what flows from those intimate times of worship is an overflow. An overflow of worshipping GOD in all of my activities.
There’s more. Do you enjoy watching kids run and laugh without a care in the world? Does it bring you delight? Where does that come from? Do you think your heavenly Father is delighted when He sees His children enjoying His creation the way He intended? Of course, He is.
Everything we do in Heaven and throughout eternity will be of worship to our Savior. C.S. Lewis said, “Faith in Jesus Christ is comprehensive.” The truth is, Heaven is a place where we will worship and connect with GOD in all of our activities, interests and passions.
Eric Liddell, the famous Olympic runner highlighted in the movie, Chariots of Fire, said; “I believe GOD made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” The Bible says:
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 NIV
When you worship GOD in your activities today, He will fill your cup with joy. There is continuity from this into the next life. Buckle that with no pain, no fear, no mourning and no death and we can begin to understand what awaits us on the other side. All of it centered around the best part of Heaven. We will be in the immediate presence of our Savior, Jesus Christ, enjoying a loving intimate relationship with Him.
Reflections
Who is the creator of love, relationships, exploration, curiosity, learning, music, art, fun, culture, sports, relaxation, work, food? Psalm 37:4 says;
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Apply this verse to the next life and meditate on what this means to you.