Added to the Church

Fear in our Life

After the lesson, she walked up, cradling her Bible, and said, “I can count on one hand how many times I have heard a lesson about Heaven!”  Shocked and wide-eyed, I asked myself, “How could this be? This sister has been a faithful member of the church for a long time!” How could some avoid such a great topic? Through your own experience, I am sure you have learned that fear is a powerful emotion.  Fear is so powerful that it can persuade our thoughts and actions.  We have also learned that fear is not always a bad thing; fear can protect us from injury or even death.  Tragically, we have also learned that sometimes we fear things we should not.

Most people fear death for several reasons, some unique to their own. What does this mean for a Christian who fears death?  Does this mean they are afraid of Heaven?  As Christians, we look forward to our eternal reward. Are our conversations not dominated by what we most look forward to?  Heaven should not only be taught in our services but also in our daily conversations. This thought also led me to realize I have not heard many discussions about Heaven myself.

Don’t Fear Heaven

Why is this? The Apostle Paul wrote this to the church in Philippi, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Phil 4:8 NKJV).  The Apostle Paul tells us to meditate on these good things. Heaven is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, has virtue, and is praiseworthy. So, why are some not meditating on Heaven? Most people fear death, and I think this can be seen in some preaching and in some conversations by the avoidance of speaking on the afterlife.  Do not be afraid of Heaven! “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21). Love the thought of Heaven so much that you cannot hold back the urge to tell others about your future home.