In the introduction of John Piper’s book, God is the Gospel, Piper proposes a question, one that I found both intriguing and convicting.
“The critical question for our generation—and for every generation—is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ was not there?”
When I was reading this question my first inclination was to say, “of course I would be,” but I couldn’t help contemplate how my heart seemed to soar in reading his description of heaven. Friends, Food, Leisure, and Pleasures, what more could I ask for? “Oh yea of course, Christ,” almost adding Him on like a bonus. Piper in his book tries to show how the greatest gift of our salvation given to us through the gospel is not the amazing gifts of God, but rather God Himself. We tend worship the gifts and not the Giver, as Kevin so wonderfully shared in an early post. We live our lives making much of the underserved blessings from heaven which usually make much of ourselves, not making Christ our All in All.
Heaven will be all about God and his Glory, all about Christ and magnifying His name. If heaven is where I long to be, then I should be preparing myself for it, and this is done by beholding the Glory of Christ Crucified today. May I be able to say with Paul:
My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. Phil 1:23
-Ryan-
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3 comments:
wow, thank you so much for this post Ryan. It was excellent. It makes me realize how I can at times put things that I enjoy on this earth at a higher place in my life than Christ. This realization humbles me. Thanks again.
Thank you for your example of one who desires to love God with all your mind as you read and study. I remember Mr. Calabello quoting that very quote during the Heaven's series. Very provoking.
Excelent post Ryan. I remember when all I thought heaven was, was a giant amusment park with a roller coaster in my backyard. Although now, i still wouldn't mind that, I know Heaven is only Heaven when are savior Jesus Christ is there with us.
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