WORK TO BE DONE

If our new life as Christians is all about loving and knowing God—and growing closer to Him—then why doesn’t He just take us to heaven as soon as we choose to trust Him? Surely there’s no better place to get to know Him! One reason is simply that God has work for us to do. “We are immortal,” one Christian philosopher said, “until our work is done.”

The time of our death is not decided by anyone or anything here on earth. That decision is made by God alone. When we have done all that God has planned for us to do, then and only then will He take us home—and not one second before. As Paul put it, “When David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep” (ACTS 13:36).

In the meantime there’s plenty for us to do. “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me,” Jesus said. “Night is coming, when no one can work” (JOHN 9:4). One day in the future (maybe way in the future) we will close our eyes on this world for the last time. And Jesus will open our eyes in heaven. This is absolutely certain—every day brings us closer.

For now, we should have our focus on the work God has prepared for us to do (EPHESIANS 2:10). Our lives are no longer about all the stuff we can get or experience. Now they are about living for Jesus, trusting the Holy Spirit to make us more like Him, and sharing His love and welcome wherever we can. “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).

What I’m thankful for . . .

Thank You, God, that You want to use me to make Jesus known in my family,
school, church and wherever else You put me.