The Flames Are Licking Their Lips And The Mansions Are Waiting

"Fear is a low motivator."
This is the part of some apparently pious concept being tossed about saying that heaven and hell are not strong (or is it holy?) motivations for salvation or sanctification. In the end (and I don't mean that colloquially) there are only two types of people in this world - those who are going to heaven and those who are going to hell. Immortal splendors or everlasting horrors. Glory or agony.

If perpetual bliss or torment are the stakes, then I want to know the game. I want to secure the one and avoid the other. I want to pay the price.

Besides, if fear is a low motivator, then is Jesus always running His mouth about it?

"Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great." (Matt. 5:11-12)

"I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell." (Matt. 5:28-29)

"Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." (Luke 3:9)

"Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys." (Luke 12:33)

"But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." (Luke 14:13-14)

So fight lust and bear fruit or burn forever. Care for the poor and give away what you get to obtain things better than money and time.

Jesus was spitting out this stuff like a viper (for one type of people) and like a salve (for the other type of people). But Jesus can't seem to stop. Eyes that have viewed all of history in a glance know the importance of eternal perspective and delayed gratification. Heaven can make you love your enemies (Luke 6:35) or engage in evangelism and missions (Luke 16:9). Hell can make you fear God (Luke 12:4-5) or be a doer of the word (Luke 6:49).

It's all over, this telescopic view. And if we weren't meant to do something with the view, then we wouldn't have our eyes constantly shoved up to the lens.

Earth-bound people are bound for hell. So do not hope for heaven and live for earth.





P.S. All this living for heaven business should be done as the church.