Heaven on Our Minds!
Posted on Monday, July 02, 2007
No one was more excited than my Dad when he learned that I had felt called to enter the ministry. However, in those early years, although my Dad was a man of few words, he did offer several tidbits of sage advice. One sentence, for example, which I've never forgotten: "Just don't ever get so heavenly minded that you're no earthly good'" Good advice. I've tried to live by that. It's  not gone unnoticed to me, though, that an equally strong temptation for some in the ministry is the danger of becoming so earthly minded that they are not heavenly good. So, how do we strike the balance?

Those thoughts returned to me recently as I journeyed through Jeremiah 29. Verse 11 of that great chapter has long been one of my favorite verses in all Scripture. Yet, there is so much more leading up to that outstanding verse. Basically, the Prophet is saying, "Be careful not to be so 'Jerusalemly' minded that you are no 'Babylonially' good." And conversely, "Don't become so 'Babylonially' minded that you are no 'Jerusalemly' good."

Remember, the Prophet, urges, that there are two sides to this story: on the one hand, you are nomads, strangers in a strange land. But, be good nomads. Enjoy your life while you're there. Wherever you are, be there! On the other hand, don't fall too deeply in love with it, because, the fact of the matter is:  it ain't home! Don't let yourselves forget that, God says through the Prophet, because someday, I'm coming to take you home.

Good advice. Maybe the balance can be struck best as we get to know the God of verse 11 better and better. Listen to Him: "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope." I can love God like that! How about you?
- Larry

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