“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
Packing! If you want to go somewhere for any length of time, it is necessary to gather together the items you will need for the trip, and place them in a suitcase. Clothes, toiletries, medications and other ‘things,’ wanted or needed, must be gathered and organized into a suitcase. Preparation takes planning and effort!
Recently we’ve had to go through the packing process, then upon our return, unpack our ‘stuff.’ As we were preparing to go on a 5 day cruise, the thought hit me… what would or could I pack to take with me to Heaven? A silly question since, as the saying goes, “Ya can’t take it with you!” Or, I thought, could I?
Is there anything I can actually plan, prepare and take with me to Heaven? In light of this verse I came across, apparently… there is! So just like planning for a trip away from home, I began to ‘make up a list!’ Knowing my point of destination, and what the Bible says is awaiting me, my thinking traveled Heavenward.
I KNOW I have been created for a purpose. My life has a meaning and there are ‘good works’ for me to DO that Jesus expects from me. When I get to heaven, I know that my ‘just passing through,’ here on Earth, will be judged. I will be rewarded based upon my doing those things, and how well they were done.
Heavenly reward, I have come to believe, should be looked at as intentionally as preparing for a road trip. While I cannot take THINGS with me to Heaven, it is evident that I CAN plan ahead to receive a reward more valuable than ‘fun’ or ‘money!’ So what is my responsibility? What Heavenly blessings might await me?
The Spiritual Gifts that Christ pours out on His people are real. Some have been called to be teachers, evangelists, prayers, helpers and many other duties necessary to Christ’s Church. Along the way, we ALL have opportunities to tell, show, or live out the Life Christ has planned for, and given to us. But am I DOING?
Of course it’s just a thought. But if it only REMAINS a thought and is not acted upon, it would be like going on a trip with no bags! Are YOU packing UP for Heaven? What do you KNOW you will be rewarded for? And how much more can you DO for Him?
