Wonderful points Gary! I was so encouraged by your post, I thought I would add a few:
It would seem that many Christians are not aware that our ability/capacity to enjoy the kingdom is based upon the level of spiritual stature/maturity each has attained here in this life. That is why Jesus mentioned the dangers of entering into LIFE - the kingdom - halted or maimed (Matt. 18:8). Think of it in this way: A two year old child enjoys life, but on the level of a two year old. A ten year old also has the capacity to enjoy life, but on a level much different than that of the two year old. A 30 year old has even more capacity, along with some wisdom, to enjoy life. But which of the three would you choose as a vessel to enjoying eternity in?
There are numerous ways God attempts to teach these concepts, many of which are all too often discarded by a Christianity which walks more according to the course of this world than that of the coming kingdom. For example: The highest valuation God placed upon individuals in the Old Testament was on those willing and able to go to war (Num. 1). This Old Testament shadow translated into New testament terms indicates that it is those Christians with spiritual maturity - those capable of and willing to engage in spiritual warfare and take territory away from Satan - that are considered most valuable to God.
The priesthood and kingship is our calling; not a given. There are rewards for faithful service (Matt. 10:42); but the loss of reward is also a distinct possibility (2 Jn. 1:8). Being crowned is a well-known sign of royal authority to rule. Does the lack thereof make one a king? How loathe we are to even make mention of the fact that there will be those whose crowns are taken away (Rev. 3:11).
Remember Israel. God wanted them to be a kingdom of priests (Exo. 19:6), but only the Levites - only the obedient -achieved that status. And what a price they had to pay to gain it (Exo. 32:27). It meant taking up the sword and slaying the flesh. Please do not misunderstand! I am not in any way trying to negate the priesthood of all believers. I am merely pointing a few of the many functions within the priesthood. There are those privileged to stand in the presence of the Great King because of their faithfulness in service (Ezek. 44:14-5); but there are also those who will be hewers of wood and drawers of water (Josh. 9). Which category would you prefer to be in for all eternity?
Multitudes embrace the concept that being born again affords a free ride which leads to the enjoyment of an inheritance and all those future privileges associated with redemption. We have become quite adept at overlooking all the places there are in the New Testament with warnings attesting to the fact that Christians who walk and even serve God according to the flesh - with the strength and nature of the old man - will be in for a big surprise at the judgment seat of Christ. Wood, hay, and stubble burn just as easily in the spiritual realm as they do in the physical one. What is important is what remains after each one's works have passed through the fire. Gold, silver, or precious stones must be found (1 Cor. 3:12). Why? These materials translate into the individual's inheritance.
Your closing sums it up nicely: Are you investing your life in long-term eternal matters, or short-term earthly matters? So let me ask you that question again. Do you want to really serve Jesus in heaven ? If your answer is yes, then spend your earthly time, talents and resources on eternal matters. Your eternal investments will last forever, and at the Judgement Seat of Christ you will hear Jesus say " well done thy good and faithful servant"That more ears may here those precious words on that fateful day!
Your Brother.
Sentinel (Randy)
Sounds like a silly question, asking if you want to serve Jesus when you get into heaven. Ask any Christian and i am sure they will say- of course i do. But there is a string attached to the level of eternal service you will be given in heaven
You see, to serve Jesus alot in heaven, you have to serve Him alot here on earth now. If you are living your life everyday for God's Kingdom, then at the Judgement Seat of Christ you will be rewarded with responsibility and service in heaven for all of eternity
On the other hand, if your doing very little for Jesus in your earthly life, you will be assigned very little service in eternity. Now you may be thinking, what's the big deal, i will be in heaven anyway. Yes that's true , as a believer in Jesus Christ you will live in heaven. But 5 minutes after you arrive there you will want to do something for Jesus, to serve Him . And what you do there will depend completely on what you do here
Are you investing your life in long-term eternal matters, or short-term earthly matters ? So let me ask you that question again. Do you want to really serve Jesus in heaven ? If your answer is yes, then spend your earthly time, talents and resources on eternal matters. Your eternal investments will last forever, and at the Judgement Seat of Christ you will hear Jesus say " well done thy good and faithful servant"
And that day when Jesus will be returning to carry you to your heavenly home in the New Jerusalem is coming very soon !!!
have a blessed day, Gary