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Key Bible Verse: We don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not seen 2 Corinthians 4:18. Bonus Reading: 2 Cor. 4:16b-5:10

For his first sermon in an elementary preaching class, Lawrence, an African student, chose a text describing the joys we'll share when Christ returns and ushers us to our heavenly home. "I've been in the United States for several months now," he began. "I've seen the great wealth that is here—the fine homes and cars and clothes. I've listened to many sermons in churches here, too. But I've yet to hear one sermon about heaven. Because everyone has so much in this country, no one preaches about heaven. People here don't seem to need it. In my country most people have very little, so we preach on heaven all the time. We know how much we need it."

Lawrence's words have haunted me. We don't talk about heaven very much here—almost as though we're ashamed of it. The details seem too problematic. The subject is too removed for the young—too near for the old.

We've impoverished our faith. For when heaven's riches fade into the background of our spiritual vision, then earthly concerns that should be dim to our eyes shine too brightly. Vision too nearsighted to see heaven deprives faith of the spiritual wealth needed to do God's business here.

—Bryan Chapell in The Wonder of It All

My Response: How could I adjust my spiritual vision from near- to farsighted?

Thought to Apply: Once you get a taste of where you want to go, motivation takes care of itself.—CHUCK DALY (basketball coach)

Adapted from The Wonder of It All (Moody, 2007) by permission.

Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Work in my life, Lord, causing me to be motivated by eternally significant goals.

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