New Church Life Mar/Apr 2015 | Page 29

      And on the idea of trusting the Lord’s leadership our doctrines have this to say: Those who trust in the Divine, though concerned about the morrow, yet they are unconcerned, in that they are not anxious, let alone worried, when they give thought to the morrow. They remain even-tempered whether or not they realize desires, and they do not grieve over loss; they are content with their lot. If they become wealthy they do not become infatuated with wealth; if they are promoted to important positions they do not consider themselves better than others. If they become poor they are not made miserable either; if lowly in status they do not feel downcast. They know that for those who trust in the Divine all things are moving toward an everlasting state of happiness, and that no matter what happens at any time to them, it contributes to that state. (Ibid. 8478.3) So what is it like to experience heaven on earth? And what is it like to show up at the gates of heaven, ready to enter? Part of the answer lies in opening ourselves to the presence and power of the Lord and the angels, and doing what we can to develop a heavenly attitude. It’s an attitude that wants to know the real truth about people and things in life, and rejoices when it finds it. It’s an attitude of humility, yet it’s no one’s fool in terms of what it accepts as gospel truth. It’s an attitude that is willing to die unto itself for the sake of something better; it is fully engaged in a faith walk with the Lord. It is active, skillful, attentive, diligent and hard-working. It lets its Godgiven light shine – putting out for the goodness and usefulness of others as much as it does for itself. It is relentless in its pursuit of heavenly life – treating the forces of evil with quick and utter disdain. It refuses to function from a place of self-pity and victimization, preferring instead to place its trust and confidence in the Lord’s leadership, and to dwell in a land of hope for a brighter future. These are just a few of the many facets on the gem of a heavenly attitude. Good wishes to all of us, as we continue courting this attitude in our lives. Amen. The Rev. Mark D. Pendleton is associate pastor of the Immanuel Church in Glenview, Illinois, where he lives with his wife, Ellen (Detwiler). Contact: [email protected] 139