WHERE ARE THE KEYS?

One of our local churches puts interesting quotes up on a noticeboard and changes it regularly. 

Recently it said, "The Keys to Heaven hang on The Cross".  By that, they are saying that forgiveness for our wrongs, our eternal salvation, and our place in heaven when we die, all depend on the cross where Jesus gave His life.  

So yes, we have peace with God through the cross of Christ.  

"But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation."  Romans 5:8-9 (NLT)

We may rightly believe that because of Christ, we can have confidence that we are forgiven and one day, when we die, be with Christ in Heaven!

What an amazing gift.

But Jesus told us to pray for the Kingdom of God to be on earth as in Heaven!  That sounds like He wants to bring some heavenly peace right here and right now.

I would like to add to the quote about the keys of heaven on
The Cross to also say THE KEYS TO HEAVEN ON EARTH HANG ON MY CROSS

What in the world do I mean?

I remember many years ago feeling frustrated with our home life.  We were visiting a church, and I really prayed that The Lord would speak to Jeff (Yes, embarrassing to admit).  Well, the preacher talked about taking up our cross to follow Christ and how that impacts relationships.  I was so disappointed!  That was not what I wanted to hear.  But as we applied that truth, peace returned to our marriage.

Simply put, while we are all set on getting our own way, there is little chance of Heaven on earth, in our homes, our workplaces and society in general.  

We need to be doing what Jesus said and taking up our own cross to follow Him. (Mark 8:34)

I love the following verses.  They are powerful words and certainly counter-cultural, but they carry such wisdom.

"Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. (Philippians 2:3-4 NLT)

As Christ-followers, we are called to pray for the Kingdom of God to be established on earth as it is in Heaven and also play our part in living the values of Heaven while we are here.

Could it be that the key to peace we long for in our homes and workplaces is found when we simply stop demanding our own way and honour others as better than ourselves, or at least as important as ourselves?

Is that one way we can pick up our cross and unlock the power of the Kingdom of God on earth - right where we live?

With love,
Lynda x