Heavenly Home, Earthly Responsibilities

I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime; moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor–it is the gift of God.

–Ecclesiastes 3:12–13

Even though heaven is our destination, God has given us earthly responsibilities. Our primary mission is to influence this world for Christ, but we have other areas of responsibility that take energy, time, and focus:

Work–God is a worker, and He created us to be workers as well. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.”

Family–The Bible says we are to care for our families. For example, Ephesians 5:25 says, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” And Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go.” It takes energy, time, and focus to love our mates and rear our children in a way that pleases God.

Money–We’re not to worry about money, but we are to plan for our financial future. Proverbs 6:6–8 says, “Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise, which, having no chief, officer or ruler, prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest.” Just as the ant stores some of its food for the future, we are to save some of our money for the future.

Health–In 1 Corinthians 6:19, Paul wrote, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit . . . and that you are not your own?” I believe God wants us to take care of the bodies He has entrusted to us, and that means exercising, watching our diets, and going to the doctor.

Friends–One way God takes care of our needs is through other people. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 says, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion.” God wants us to have people in our lives who will lift us up when we stumble, but it takes time to develop those friendships.

Recreation–God doesn’t want us simply to endure this life; He wants us to enjoy it. Ecclesiastes 9:7 says, “Eat your bread in happiness and drink your wine with a cheerful heart; for God has already approved your works.” When we enjoy life, it turns our attention to God, who made our lives possible. Devoting some of our attention to recreation is not outside God’s will. We’re not to love the world, but we are to live in the world.

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Today’s devotion is adapted from “Heaven Can’t Wait” by Dr. Robert Jeffress, 2012.

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org.