Written by a GFM Staff Member

What comes to mind when you think of ambition or are told to “follow your heart” or “follow your dreams”? In the West, we are often told to prioritize success, possessions and comfort. We are shown various portraits of the ideal human life: a happy person with millions of followers on Youtube, a trailblazing woman running a Fortune 500 company, or perhaps a cozy family clustered around a fireplace in a cabin in the woods… and don’t forget a predictable form of happily ever after.

When Jesus addressed these things, his argument was not that they were inherently wrong but that they were temporary. His death, resurrection, and introduction of his kingdom on earth have opened up new eternal possibilities, and he redirects our efforts there:

I’ll be eternally grateful for the book Heaven by Randy Alcorn for influencing me toward full-time ministry. In it, he breaks down the idea of floating in the clouds endlessly playing harps as boring and inaccurate. He then reminds us that the God who created this vast, interesting world of boundless possibilities is the same God who has promised an earth version 2.0. He postulates that we will continue to experience positive aspects of the current creation like fulfilment, satisfaction, friendships, and love without the negative aspects like relational drama, depression, and death. 

If all we do is transfer individualistic ambition to an eternal lens, however, it leaves us with a couple problems. First, a common concept among Christian communities of sending building materials for our heavenly mansions is not very compelling. Perhaps I’ll send a small portion ahead, but I won’t lay down my life for that. No mansion is worth persevering through seasons like Paul described of despairing of life itself (2 Cor 1:8).

The second problem is that it is still self-focused. Do I envision meandering around my heavenly mansion in solitude playing with fancy toys? 

The Trinity is inherently relational. Our creation started with a discussion: “Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness,’” (Gen 1:26). Jesus’ deepest cry at the pinnacle of His suffering was relational: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt 27:46). And to reflect that aspect of Himself, He made us relational too, saying “It is not good for the man to be alone,” (Gen 2:18). 

I believe that the only things we keep from earth are relationships with fellow eternal beings: with God and with people. I consider it far more compelling to be sending building materials for someone else’s mansion - to lay down my life to expand our eternal relational network and make eternal friends for Jesus. When we get involved in missions efforts, we’re populating golden suburbs with beautifully perfect, diverse, relationally exquisite, and eternally grateful friends, each fully yet uniquely reflecting the image of Christ in absolute selflessness. Think zero drama and good ol’ days without end.

We also keep our relationship with God. After convincing us that we won’t even keep spiritual pursuits like knowledge, understanding, or prophecy from this earth, Paul says that we will know fully even as we are fully known (1 Cor 13:12). Of course, we will be so thoroughly stunned by His likeness that we won’t get over it, ever. Perhaps heaven will be so magnificent that it won’t matter, but let’s consider a unique opportunity during our time on earth.

I recently got to meet some of my dear friends in person for the first time. We connected years ago at a training seminar online and had visited over video a few times from various parts of the world, sharing laughter and tears and empathizing like only someone who understands overseas life can do. When they said they would be in town and wanted to meet in person, I was elated! Whenever I thought about our upcoming meeting - which was often - whoever was nearby got to hear about it. When we finally met at the restaurant, we dove deep quickly and shared a rich conversation. 

How are we approaching meeting Jesus for the first time? Do we expect a cordial introduction, thanks for salvation, and the beginning of a vague relationship for eternity? Or do we eagerly anticipate meeting in person our very best friend having already developed deep intimacy? Are we ready to reminisce about thousands of shared moments with Jesus including both our highest and lowest points in life? Are we willing to invest in our relationship with God until our anticipation far surpasses that of a bride the moment she walks down the aisle, each step a step closer to a lifetime of bliss with the one dearest to the heart?

We only get to keep two things from this world. Only two things are eternal: our relationship with God and our relationship with the people around us. Let’s pour all our resources investing in those relationships through loving, serving, giving, and laying down our lives so that more people will join us and our beloved Savior forever.