I don’t do much traveling without my family but the times that I do I am reminded of how wonderful home and family are. Being away from them makes me evaluate what is most important in my life. The same should be the case regarding our home in heaven. Do we long to be there? Do we evaluate ourselves in view of the glory of heaven? Paul says, “For in hope we have been saved” (Romans 8:24). Just like our physical home draws us to it so our spiritual does. 

I long for heaven because my God who loves me is there. Some view God as harsh and condemning, ready at an instant to destroy us for the slightest of wrongs. God does require us to do His will but He is kind and full of mercy and forgiveness if we repent and turn to Him. I picture God in heaven, doing all He can to help me make it there to be with Him. I see Him with open arms, tears of joy in His eyes and forgiveness in His heart as I turn from my sin and come home to be with Him forever. I look forward to that day.

I long for heaven because it is what my life should be about. Truth resides in heaven. Mercy sits on the throne, love flows throughout. My life should reflect each of these qualities and as I struggle in my life to display a true love for others. Looking to heaven helps me see what love is all about. Heaven helps me see who God is and what He wants for mankind, that same desire should be reflected in my life. 

I long for heaven because it will be my rest from the trials of life. Each day I face the temptations Satan lays before me, they vary in appearance and severity but they are there nonetheless. Each day I must face my duties as a soldier in God’s army and wage the war in which my soul hangs in the balance. I do not always win each battle but victory in the war has been promised by God for those who live by faith in Him. I long for heaven because then the war will be over for myself and for others who face the same challenges. Victory will be ours through Christ. 

I must remember, however, that, for now, the battle rages on. I must not become complacent or think as though I have already achieved my goal. I must continue to press on, examining myself daily so that I do not lose the prize God has reserved for those who love Him. I must fight to the end, until my last breath, until the last beat of my heart because it will be more than worth all of the effort it takes to make it there. I look forward to that day.