Introduction: Do we need to focus on things NOW or Later? How about both! But the question is asked, “how can we be earthly-minded and not neglect being heavenly-minded?”

 

Here are some suggestions from the Scriptures.

 

1. Remember to LOOK in the Right Direction! (2Cor 4:17,18) – “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Our focus must be in two different directions without forgetting the heavenly direction.

 

How are you doing? It is not easy, is it?

 

2. Remember to PRAY in the Right Way! (Matt 6:10,11) – ” Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:” His kingdom will come. And at the same time, we must pray and trust our Lord for our daily bread.

 

Are you doing that?

 

3. Remember to SERVE the Lord Jesus with the Right Motives! (2Cor 5:10; 3:11-14; 4:5) – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad…. Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” One day we will be held accountable….at the judgment seat of Christ.

 

Are you preparing?

 

Conclusion: Staying focused in this short life is the key to preparing for heaven; yet not being so heavenly minded that you are not any earthly good. Jesus Christ did both. He enables us by His Holy Spirit to accomplish this task while laying up treasures in heaven but making a difference in our families and friends on earth.

Are you keeping the balance? Need to make any changes?

 

Constant evaluation is needed.

 

Love y’all,

Pastor Randy Reese