Christian’s must live in the future tense—dwelling in a constant state of readiness. We must daily strive for heaven!
First, we need to press on to the goal, living Christ-like lives (Colossians 3:1-4). Each child of God must consider the price that was paid for our redemption (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 1:18-19), the steps that were left to follow Christ (1 Peter 2:21; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Ruth 1:16) and the mind that is available by following Jesus (Philippians 2:5; cf. Proverbs 23:7; Philippians 4:8).
Secondly, we need to press on to the goal, living by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). The Bible speaks of weak, little, much, great and strong faith. Saving faith is a living faith (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 4:20). Living faith is personal, purposeful and profitable (Philippians 1:21). “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Active faith is “steadfast, unmovable, always abounding” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
In the third place, press on to the goal as a doer of the word and not just a hearer (James 1:17-25). God’s Word is a precious gift (v.17; 1 Samuel 3:1, rare or precious; John 1:41; Luke 15:8-10; Matthew 13:45-46). God’s Word must be received (v.21; Acts 17:11), and it will save and bless (vs.21, 25; Acts 20:32).
Fourthly, press on to the goal by being supremely committed to the church for which Christ died (1 Corinthians 15:24-25). She’s unique—being the one, true church (Ephesians 4:4). Further, she is loved because Christ is her Head (Ephesians 5:23). She’s right in organization (Philippians 1:1), purpose (Ephesians 1:10-12), worship (Acts 20:7) and doctrine (Ephesians 5:25-27).
Fifthly, press on to the goal by striving to save your family (Psalm 127:3-5). John said, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (2 John 4). Each family must study God’s Word in the home (Ephesians 6:4). Fathers also have the responsibility of teaching in word and deed. Each family must be engaged in the Lord’s work (Philippians 2:19-22). The Lord’s church needs families saying, “Here am I Lord; send me” (Isaiah 6:8). Each family must be partners in obtaining the “grace of life” (1 Peter 3:7). Christian families must band themselves together with love, serving the same Lord, striving for the same goal and obeying the same standard.
Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:16-21 NKJV)
