Known By Heaven

           It’s a sobering thought to think that those who are well known, well celebrated and well thought of in this world may not be that popular when and if they get to heaven. A case in point is the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31. Beloved, God is no respecter of persons but people are. How do we know this? From the Scriptures, it is evident that God the Father gave mankind all He had, that is His son. The Son gave mankind all He had, that is His life and the Holy Spirit is giving all He has to as many as will believe and receive Jesus Christ as their Lord: His presence. We, as created beings, have no excuse therefore not to give our all to Him that has called us and giving us all. Just before Paul’s departure from this world, he made a profound statement that still reverberates to this day and it is a source of comfort to as many that have walked and are walking in unity with God: “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge will give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them that love His appearing” 2Timothy 4:8. This statement carries within it a lifestyle of sacrifice and an assurance of eternity with God. Paul gave up so much for the sake of the Kingdom; he lived a celibate life (because he was called to), travelled often to distant and remote places to share the gospel, and did not care if he became well known or not, he only wanted to be known by God. He endured beatings, riots, imprisonment, shipwrecks and various types of hardships even from fellow brethren for the sake of the gospel. He understood that to live and preach the message of the gospel, one must give up all. Remember, Jesus said anyone who wants to follow Him must hate his own life. Paul exemplified this. Unfortunately, today, so much hype has been tied to this life; such that it is believed it is better to hold on to ones ‘life’ at the expense of the undiluted word of God!

            To speak of a crown waiting for us in Heaven, is to declare that we have a consistent walk with Jesus Christ. The crown is not for those that are casual ‘followers’! If Heaven may ask, how much of ourselves are we willing to give up for the sake of the gospel? God says in the last days men would be “lovers of sensual pleasures and vain amusements more than and rather than lovers of God” 2Timothy 3:4 (AMP). Thanks to technology, we are surrounded with so much to keep our minds and flesh richly amused and occupied, if possible, for 24hours. Thus, the question is what are those things that you express love or devotion for more than or rather than God on a daily basis? Are they things that please your flesh or things that please the Spirit of God? Even if they are permissible, are they beneficial? Paul warned in Philippians 3:18 “for many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ. Whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is their shame, who mind earthly things.” Beloved what are you giving your mind to on a daily basis? As we await the second coming of Christ, it’s time for us to re-examine our daily walk with Him. Ephesians 5:5 (AMP) says “look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people)”. Beloved both our eternal dwelling and rewards are based on how we live our daily lives here on earth. Like athletes we must train our minds and our bodies in godly living. It is those who live by this rule that are known by Heaven (1Timothy 4:8 and 2Timothy 2:5). Paul lived this way, and even when abandoned by brethren during his trails, he still remained focused (2Timothy 4:10-18). By God’s grace we can do same. The crown of righteousness is waiting! God bless u.