Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. (Colossians 3:1–2 NLT)

 

Have you ever tried to talk to someone whose thoughts were obviously elsewhere? It can be a frustrating experience. Instead of meaningful eye contact, you get a faraway stare. Instead of a lively back and forth, you get a few grunts or a noncommittal “Huh.”

 

Have you ever driven behind someone whose thoughts were obviously elsewhere? It can be an annoying, frightening experience. You can recognize inattentive drivers by their erratic lane changes, their unpredictable slowing and speeding up, and their complete indifference to everyone else on the road.

 

On a more pleasant note, have you ever interacted with Christians whose thoughts were on a whole different plane of existence? People who refuse to panic about the trials, tribulations, and persecution of this life—even as the end times approach—because they’re anticipating the life to come? People who prioritize eternal things over temporary ones?

 

Cynics might claim that such people are too heavenly-minded to be of any earthly use. The Bible says otherwise. In fact, believers who set their sights on the realities of Heaven may be the most valuable people on the planet, eternally speaking. Because their priority is to make sure that as many people as possible join them in the life to come.

 

Their focus is reflected in their prayers. They latch on to Jesus’ promise in John 15:7: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” (NLT). They pray with passion and persistence.

 

Sometimes, we pray for something once, and if that prayer isn’t answered in the affirmative, we conclude that it’s not the will of God. “I prayed for my husband to come to Christ, but he didn’t. So I accepted it.” No! Keep praying! Why? Because you know it’s the will of God to save people. So when you pray for someone to be saved, you’re praying in alignment with God’s will. God “does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent” (2 Peter 3:9 NLT). Don’t stop praying for that husband who doesn’t know the Lord. Don’t stop praying for that wife who needs Jesus. Don’t stop praying for that son, daughter, or grandchild.

 

My mother came to the Lord toward the end of her life. I prayed for her for thirty-plus years. That’s a long time to pray. But thank God that prayer was eventually answered. Don’t give up. Keep praying. Keep thinking about the things of Heaven.

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