There is an old saying that goes like this... 'too heavenly minded to be of earthly use...'

It speaks disparagingly about people of faith who seem to use hope of heaven to avoid engagement with the matters of this life. Retreat into a safe little haven of expectation and somewhat self centred comfort. It can take the view that this world will pass away and therefore to give time to it is a waste of energy and faith. Of course there is some truth in this as Jesus taught frequently about the need and strategic use of life to invest in the realities of eternity.  His story of the rich farmer who gave no thought to eternity and invested his whole life into this life, only to lose it all is a good example. Luke 12:16-21

However the reality is for God's people is broader and perhaps surprising.

The hope of heaven with all it's joys, healing, fellowship, glory, reuniting, seeing Jesus and the famous saints face to face etc etc is a future we are encouraged to anticipate with wholehearted wonder. Yes, yes!!!  But this anticipation does not mean disengagement with daily life, rather it is the opposite.

This morning I was reading Paul's letter to the pilgrims in the city of Colosse and came across this observation. This group of believers were people full of love for others that showed itself in real, practical engagement and help. What prompted this way of living and engagement?

It sprang from their hope of heaven and all that is stored up for them!!

It set them free to lavishly pour their lives and resources into the needs of others. It helped them to live strategically in giving themselves to what would last into eternity, Love rather than selfish aquisition. The reality of being recipients of God's abundant overflowing grace spilled into showing that to others now. And the call of Jesus to be fellow workers in the present harvest field of great human need brought their commited response.

Hope of heaven yes, yes!!!

And in the light of that living in the present time, among present matters, with the present people, carrying heaven's joy, freedom and hope in every place our feet carry us. Heaven's hope to earth's need.