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]
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