Keeping the End in Mind

In their 2022 book Telos: The Hope of Heaven Today, authors Leonard Sweet and Len Wilson encourage us to bring our understanding of heaven into daily living. Consider their words:

God's house may have many mansions, but heaven's mansions don't have penthouse suites, basement apartments, and rent-a-rooms. No classes (first or economy) exist in heaven. In fact, heaven is less about a place than a person.

Heaven is

less about pearly gates than about the Pearl of Great Price.

less about puffy white clouds than about the Lamb of God.

less about streets of gold than about the Great High Priest.

less about hilltop mansions than about the Son of the Most High.

less about crystal fountains than about the True Vine.

less about white robes than about the Light of the World.

less about glowing lampstands than about the Bright and Morning Star.

less about gemstone foundations than about the Chief Cornerstone.

less about jasper walls than about Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Heaven is not where God is. God is heaven. Heaven is being with Jesus. And with Jesus, heaven begins now. It's heaven: Now or never. 

Life is more than about living. Life is about living with an end in mind. That end is Jesus. A happy life is living with an end in view from the start. That end is Jesus.

If someone asked you to describe heaven to them, what would you say? Do you imagine a far off land in the clouds or the presence of God's love within you today, here in this moment? How might you move through your days enjoying God's loving presence, living more fully because you hold the Jesus end in view?

Christ's peace to you this week,

Jennie