Answers
By Billy Graham • December 5, 2016 • Topics: Eternal Life, Heaven
Q:
I don't see what good it does to be thinking about Heaven all the time. I suppose I believe in life after death, but it doesn't really make any difference in the way I live. What's important is what we do right now, not some escapist "pie-in-the-sky" thoughts.
A:
Nothing will have a greater impact on our lives right now than thinking about eternity. Instead of escaping from life, thinking about Heaven should make us be more diligent right now. Jesus said, “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me” (John 9:4).
What difference should Heaven make to us? First, it should make us live for things that will last. So much of what we do is temporary and fleeting, and has no lasting significance. But when we keep our eyes on Heaven, we’ll want to live for things that have eternal value. Jesus said, “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you” (John 6:27).
Second, Heaven should make us want to live for Christ instead of ourselves. Jesus came down from Heaven for one reason: to make it possible for us to be with Him in Heaven forever. He did this by becoming the final sacrifice for our sins by His death on the cross. Once you understand this and welcome Him into your life, you’ll never be the same.
Some day you will die and stand before God. Could anything be more important than being prepared for that day? Don’t go down the wrong road, but turn to Jesus Christ and by a simple prayer of faith invite Him to come into your life today. Remember: Life is short—but eternity is forever.
