Have you ever heard the phrase, “That person is so  Heavenly minded that they are no earthly good?”  I was thinking about this phrase this morning and have come to the conclusion that it is total bunk! If a follower of Christ is truly Heavenly minded, they are aware of the fact that one day every person who lived  will stand before the Creator of the Universe and give an account for their actions. The idea of eternity is not just a random concept to a Heavenly minded person but it is a reality. They KNOW that the time we spend here is precious and will determine where we spend all of eternity! A truly Heavenly minded person does not get caught up and waylaid by the cares of this world. They realize that distractions that draw us away from Christ are to be avoided at all costs! When they look at people they see their potential in Christ and make every attempt to share Jesus with them, knowing that that is the heart of the Father.

Heavenly minded people are the intercessors. They are the drone workers willing to help when there is work for the Kingdom to be done, regardless of how menial it may seem. They are not easily distracted because eternity is never far off from their thoughts! Though they love their families and friends, they choose to keep Christ first in all their decisions. Though they are far from perfect, their eyes are on Jesus, knowing the reality of seeing Him face to face one day and because of this they are continuing to grow more like Him!

In the book of Colossians, Apostle Paul actually admonishes us to keep our eyes on things above!

Colossians 3:1-4 NIV 3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. ³ For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Jesus told us that one day every man, woman and child will bow before Him and acknowledge Him as Lord!

Romans 14: 10-12 NIV  10 For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. ¹¹ It is written:  “As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.” ¹² So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

With this in mind, the Heavenly minded person makes daily decisions with eternity in mind. “Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we will die,” is not going to suffice! Instead they choose to heed Paul’s words found in Phillipians 2:12-18 NIV

¹² Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³ for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.¹⁴ Do everything without grumbling or arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky ¹⁶ as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. ¹⁷ But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. ¹⁸ So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Now I realize that often when the phrase “too Heavenly minded” is tossed around it is usually tossed by people that are very uncomfortable with a person having the type of faith that actually changes their behavior. Perhaps they are too “radical,” too focused on “Jesus,” instead of being the average run of the mill Christian who believes in Jesus but doesn’t believe He needs to be Savior and LORD of their lives. My prayer is that all who call themselves Christian will become truly that! They will realize the need for repentance, salvation, filling of the Spirit, baptism and a NEW LIFE. These are all the hallmarks of a true follower of Christ. As we continue to grow in our walk with Christ we are to study the Word of God and allow the Spirit of God to make us more like Jesus. If we do, we too will become Heavenly minded. We will begin to look at others differently, knowing that one day they too will stand and give an account before God. This will motivate us to care more, intercede more, share the gospel more, reach out more.

The truth is, a truly Heavenly minded person is more earthly good! They choose to live their life in obedience to Christ and serve in whatever capacity they are called to serve. They are not sitting around contemplating the stars, they are growing more like Jesus and are actively doing the works Jesus did! They are interceding for the lost, they are reaching out to the downtrodden, they are living a life of obedience, with Heaven never too far from their thoughts!

Lord please make each one of us more Heavenly minded! When we meet others, let us keep eternity in mind and let it motivate us to share the gospel with them! When we see the hurting and downtrodden remind us of the importance of not turning a blind eye but instead to reach out and help! Let us keep eternity in mind every day as we run the race you have set before us!  In Jesus name, Amen

Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV 12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.