To Love Life - Christian Thread

[preciousjeni]

My friend and I have been discussing my issues with life...and I mean the act of living. She has determined that I am too concerned with looking forward to life in heaven and I am completely unsatisfied with mortal life on earth. She attributes my seeming apathy to this dissatisfaction. It is true that there are certain aspects of my life that need attention, but sometimes I feel like "what's the point?" It's not that I'm depressed, because I'm far from it. I'm very happy but that happiness really stems from a knowledge that soon I will be with my Father.

The reason this has been a topic of discussion between my friend and me is that she was worried when I said that I don't mind dying. She took it to mean that I'm suicidal, so I had to explain it to her. I have absolutely no fear of death!

So, my question to all of you is, how do I reconcile this desire to be in heaven with the need to live my mortal life as the Lord has instructed me?

And, if any of you have had similar thoughts, I'd love to know that I'm not alone!!

[G8Ralphaxi]

I'm not a religious expert by any means, but here are four main things I believe:

1. There are many beautiful, magical, and even sometimes miraculous things in this world for us. Sunsets. The way your favorite flower smells. Sharing an inside joke with your best friend. How babies learn so much so quickly. The way you feel like your feet aren't touching the ground when you're falling in love. The power that certain music can have. I think things like this are illustrations of God and His love for us.

2. There is a GOD, and He loves us. He created the earth, and He created it for us. We are here for a purpose.

3. We should try to be the best people we can be. If you've ever read any studies of Taoism or some other eastern religions, they talk about how every person has a special essence or quality to them. (sometimes called "chi" or something similar) This is whatever is your special strength, in your soul or heart, the true nature of your personality. We should strive to find this within ourselves, and recognize and support it in others.

4. We are here to care for each other and love each other. I don't need to be everyone's best friend, or even like everyone, but I should support the special people in my life and do what I can do make life better for them. Think about it - the most special moments in anyone's life aren't when they finish writing a paper or do a project at work - it's events they share with the people they love.

My point is that we aren't just souls conjured out of the air to float around in heaven. We are supposed to spend time on earth - it's part of the plan. It's true that there are a lot of bad, scary things in the world right now, but there's a lot of good too. Focus on the good things, and the people you care about.

[Dionysus]

I agree with G8R. Also, from what I heard, earthly pleasures (like what G8R mentioned above) and heavenly pleasures are different. Another example, a few Christians I know said that there isn't any SEX in heaven. I'm not talking about "sinful" sex, I'm talking about sex between husband and wife (can anyone w/ good knowledge on the bible back this up for me?). So, don't miss out on earthly pleasures while you're here.

[James]

There is a parable in the bible .. .

A rough summary is as follows, A master goes away leaving his three servants 1, 3 and 10 talents of gold respectively.

When the master returns, the servant with 10 talents of gold had amassed 20 talents and the servant with 3 talents had amassed 5 talents.

The servant given one talent had focused on how little he had beeen given and came across the idea that he would preserve what he been given exactly. Not using any of it for any reason.

When the master returned he was really happy with the two servants, and very unhappy with the one. He said he had given them the gold to use and that it was actually a waste and an insult not to have done so.

Obviously your situation is not the same. But if you take the word talent out of context, you can say that your God has given you certain talents and gifts to use in this world, and a life in this world to lvie here.

And that you do your God insult and dishonor by doing less than your best while at the same time offering a feeble excuse that you were merely waiting for this life to end before you began to try and live.

[preciousjeni]

Originally posted by James
There is a parable in the bible .. .

A rough summary is as follows, A master goes away leaving his three servants 1, 3 and 10 talents of gold respectively.

When the master returns, the servant with 10 talents of gold had amassed 20 talents and the servant with 3 talents had amassed 5 talents.

The servant given one talent had focused on how little he had beeen given and came across the idea that he would preserve what he been given exactly. Not using any of it for any reason.

When the master returned he was really happy with the two servants, and very unhappy with the one. He said he had given them the gold to use and that it was actually a waste and an insult not to have done so.

Obviously your situation is not the same. But if you take the word talent out of context, you can say that your God has given you certain talents and gifts to use in this world, and a life in this world to lvie here.

And that you do your God insult and dishonor by doing less than your best while at the same time offering a feeble excuse that you were merely waiting for this life to end before you began to try and live.

That is a really good observation!

[smiley21]

Originally posted by Dionysus
I agree with G8R. Also, from what I heard, earthly pleasures (like what G8R mentioned above) and heavenly pleasures are different. Another example, a few Christians I know said that there isn't any SEX in heaven. I'm not talking about "sinful" sex, I'm talking about sex between husband and wife (can anyone w/ good knowledge on the bible back this up for me?). So, don't miss out on earthly pleasures while you're here.

sex is pleasure of the flesh- earthly pleasure-(religiously speaking). when we die, our flesh is left behind. the soul is what lives on and it will be in new heavenly bodies. though is was created by God, sex is something that is for humans on earth. in heaven, we will have spiritual bodies. (i know it is hard for some of you guys to comprehend), but sex will be the last thing on your mind when you are in heaven..

i am unable to back this up with scripture at the moment. it is in the bible, i swear. (in more than one place, actually). i will try to find it later.

[James]

I am glad that your understanding is deep enough to explain it to the rest of us.

Originally posted by smiley21
sex is pleasure of the flesh- earthly pleasure-(religiously speaking). when we die, our flesh is left behind. the soul is what lives on and it will be in new heavenly bodies. though is was created by God, sex is something that is for humans on earth. in heaven, we will have spiritual bodies. (i know it is hard for some of you guys to comprehend), but sex will be the last thing on your mind when you are in heaven..

i am unable to back this up with scripture at the moment. it is in the bible, i swear. (in more than one place, actually). i will try to find it later.

[justamom]

preciousjeni- It's not that I'm depressed, because I'm far from it. I'm very happy but that happiness really stems from a knowledge that soon I will be with my Father.

What do you mean?

It is not at all unusual for deeply spiritual people to LONG to be with God. That's why some women choose to become nuns or find some way in which they can devote their entire life to God.
Others have felt this way because they are still searching to find the meaning in their life. Just remember that God gave you life and as James' post indicates, God expects us to do something with it. Cliche' but true-"Seek and ye shall find."

I have to say ALL of these posts are so deeply beautiful and I couldn't possibly add anything more meaningful.

[btb87]

Originally posted by Dionysus
I agree with G8R. Also, from what I heard, earthly pleasures (like what G8R mentioned above) and heavenly pleasures are different. Another example, a few Christians I know said that there isn't any SEX in heaven. I'm not talking about "sinful" sex, I'm talking about sex between husband and wife (can anyone w/ good knowledge on the bible back this up for me?). So, don't miss out on earthly pleasures while you're here.

Matthew 22:30 "For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven."

[Dionysus]

Originally posted by btb87
Matthew 22:30 "For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven."

Thanks.