"The Bible’s aim is not the freeing of the spirit from the world, as I read it. It is the handbook of their interaction." - Wendell Berry
I think that a lot of people seek to become Christians because of Christianity's high-profile destination. We get to go to HEAVEN when we die! Can you imagine it? I can, I suppose, but only in the "streets of gold, St. Peter at the pearly gates" mentality that I learned in Sunday School when I was young.
The thing is, though, that we, as Christians, often get too wrapped up in our final destination. If I can interpret what Mr. Berry says in the quote above, it's that we shouldn't be Christians just so we can get to heaven. Instead, we should follow the example of Christ in all of our interactions on Earth in an effort to bring his love and way of life to others. How can we expect to be showered with the blessings of heaven if we make no effort at displaying heavenly virtues as prescribed by Christ to others while we're here?
Being a Christian CAN'T just be about the destination. It HAS to be about the journey. And at some point along our journey, we must learn to be exemplars of the grace of God, as affirmed in the teachings, attitudes, suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. If that's not the way we strive to act all the time, then any discussion about our final destination is probably moot.
Dear God, help me to continually become the best person I can be along my life's journey. Let me always keep in mind the teachings and examples you set for all of us through the life of Jesus Christ. AMEN.
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