Better yet, how much do you think about hell?
Jonathan Edwards thought a lot about both. In fact, he believed that meditation on the realities of each would result in appropriate Christian actions.
Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do if I had already seen the happiness of heaven and the torments of hell. (July 8, 1723)
In what ways would our actions be different (and more Biblical) if we meditated more on the "happiness of heaven" and the "torments of hell?"
1. Meditating on heaven produces genuine joy and contentment for the believer, affecting all areas of life and all resulting actions.
2. Meditation on heaven and hell produces a sobriety of manner and a seriousness in the necessary practice of self-examination (lest we deceive ourselves), befitting a war-time soldier.
3. Meditation on the terrifying reality of hell compels us to grow in mercy toward the unbelieving, knowing their eternal misery if they remain unrepentant.
4. Meditating on the glories of heaven produces humility, knowing that it is through Christ's work alone that we are already "seated in the heavenly places"--humble people serve others.
5. Meditation on hell forces us to overcome any fear of man we might have--the more we think on the horrors of hell, the more we are necessitated by compassion to speak to anyone and everyone we can about the gospel.
These are only five (and there are countless) ways in which we would be affected by resolving to act as though heaven and hell are realities. Did you catch that? Act as though heaven and hell are realities!
We believe they are. We just don't act like it. I certainly don't. And I can pretty much guarantee that every interpersonal "issue" I have, every wrong attitude I have toward another person, every disgruntled day I spend complaining about "whatever" would be completely done away with if I meditated more on the realities of heaven and hell.
We know that we must combat the desire to sin with a greater desire--the desire for God. What better way to whet our appetites than to look forward to the day when we shall finally see Him "face to face."
2 comments:
Robin asks:
"How much do you think about heaven? Better yet, how much do you think about hell?"
And I ask: "How much do you think?"
As I was reading Robin's post, I began visualizing myself in my corner chair, thinking about heaven and hell. It felt kind of like a distant memory--- Yes, I remember when I used to do that kind of thing...
Robin, thanks for this reminder that I must take the time to meditate on these realities, and allow the Lord to shape me, through this excercise, in the ways that Jonathan Edwards describes.
I can see how this kind of meditation (something beyond mere acknowledgement or stated belief) would produce the kinds of fruit and virtue that Edwards speaks of.
Thanks Robin, Far too little I must confess. Conversation at dinner last evening at the beach house was about Michael Jackson. Grieved to not hear a word about heaven or hell.Not even from my lips.
God help me to so live in this reality that speech flows from the abundance of the heart focused on the reality of heaven and hell.
Another regret to confess.
JR
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