As I reflect on this past year, I have learned that being heavenly minded is to be biblically minded. But, before I can explain that analogy, I must share a little of how I became a true believer of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. I was saved a little over two years ago. However, I would have said before that I was going to heaven naturally because I would meditate on it and lived thinking I was a good moral person. In fact, I even believed the commandments to be true and obeyed them to the best of my knowledge. In spite of all that, I had not truly repented of my sins and was not willing to be obedient to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. I lived an oblivious life only to serve myself and lived in sin. To give you a small example, I battled with smoking cigarettes since I was 13 years old. I also drank heavily nearly every night before I was a believer. As I began to learn the Gospel according to Jesus Christ and with the counsel of leaders in a solid church, I soon realized I was a wretched sinner with a deceitful heart. These words may sound heavy and almost fanatical, but we must remember it was in the beginning.
Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Genesis 6:5
My way of living, to say the least, was displeasing to the Lord and had been continually. As I began to read and understand the bible, I was finally able to witness that I deserve hell for the sins I had committed against a Holy and Pure God. Upon the realization of my sinfulness, it was by His grace I deeply examined my heart. Then, I sought His forgiveness of my sins according to what the Word of God teaches, placing my faith only on Jesus Christ. The Lord our God did a tremendous act stirring up my heart for Him. I began to change on many levels in my life. My codependent habits of drinking and smoking left me almost immediately. As I look back, I realize it was not until I had a desire for the love of the Lord and knowing His righteousness that I am able to be mindful of heaven. Being heavenly minded is not merely about focusing on this wonderful place called, “Heaven”. The idea has a much deeper meaning, which is to focus on the mighty One who creates it. Being heavenly minded is about anticipating the worship of our Lord and enjoying perfect fellowship with Him with our eternal Holy Spirit. Truthfully, it is impossible to understand that perspective or be aware while pursuing sin in the world. I can attest to that because that has been my experience.
I believe being heavenly minded is the same as being biblically minded. Having the right approach to learning and studying the word of God is crucial to anyone who is a believer. Being heavenly minded is not merely singing to Him on Sundays or giving to the church offering. Ultimately, it is about understanding what the Lord wants us to learn and grow when reading biblical scripture. Those Gospel words are His communication to us, His children. From reading the perfect, complete, and wholesome words, I recognize that all we are and all we have is eternally His. I am not commanded to give myself to Him part of the time rather my entire life. I am here on Earth to serve the purposes of His glory. Being biblically minded is to understand and acknowledge that there is salvation in none other than Jesus Christ. With that, I fully understand as a believer that I am essentially a slave of Christ, who was purchased by His own blood. I meditate that He alone is holy and thereby the only perfect substitute for my sins. Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved. I also recognize that the bible is inspired by God and profitable for training in righteousness, so that I may be equipped for every good work. (1 Timothy 3:16-17) My life is for Jesus Christ. He wants our love, not our works, which took me time to comprehend. The bible offers us hope in this life and the life to come. For that reason, to be biblically minded is to be heavenly minded.
Furthermore, being involved with such a strong body of believers this past year at Grace Community Church has helped me tremendously to be heavenly minded. With a great importance on evangelism missions, Grace has instilled in a strong sense of urgency to pray for those who are spiritually lost. I also have a compassion for those who have a misguided concept of heaven like I once did. I have also been openly sharing my faith and encouraging others to seek the kingdom of heaven through scripture alone. Much of my personal attention I place in on my family, who live in the Midwest. Most of my relatives openly reject the bible and the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Unless they turn and repent from their sins and place their loving faith in Jesus Christ, they will face eternal punishment. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. The reality of what is to come has caused me to draw closer to the Lord, accepting and understanding that He alone can do the work in the hearts of my family like He did for me. He worked in my heart so that I would come forth to love Him. I also wish to mention that taking various leadership roles in the church has helped me to experience the joy of being part of the body of Christ. Through service in the church, I have learned what kind of leader that Lord has called me to be. This year in 2008, I have taken on the role of core group leader, and I have served various functional roles in the 310 bible study. Serving has give me a better way to focus on my citizenship in heaven. Graciously, the Lord handed me some new wonderful responsibilities that now I can see have greater eternal significance.
Finally, being heavenly minded is constantly meditating on God’s goodness. I must always remember that He loved us so much, he sent his only son Jesus to die in our place. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. He causes all good things to happen to those who love Him. Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to {His} purpose.
One thing I can truly see is that believers are being heavenly minded. They pray for faithfulness and obedience to the Word. As my focus has been on Christ this year, God has blessed me with a wonderful fiancé, who I met while serving in the church. I can hardly wait to spend the rest of my life washing her in the Word.
- Brandon Jones
(Last photo by David Hensler)
Thanks for sharing Brandon.