The Allurement of Heaven
Heaven may not hold as much promise or be as significant as it once was for most people due to the great amount of comforts we all experience (along with a reasonable measure of health). Money buys most anything we want, and doctors are supposed to cure any disease that befalls us. Since we already possess a good measure of prosperity, why be attracted to heaven?
Heaven remains a positive motivation, however, for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it far surpasses the alternative. If this physical life consisted of the sum total of our existence, we could all rejoice that we were fortunate enough to have been born in America, a land of abundance. We could enjoy all the material comforts that other nations lack and, when it came time to die, be grateful for a rich life that is as good as it gets. In the long run, how satisfying is that?
The truth is that this life is but a small portion of our existence. Jesus said that the hour is coming "in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation" (John 5:28-29). Notice there are two and only two alternatives for eternity—heaven or hell. (The New Testament makes no mention of Purgatory, though many have been taught this erroneous doctrine.)
No one who has studied the characteristics of hell would seriously want to go there, but the majority of people will choose to be there (Matt. 7:13-14), much to their eternal regret (Luke 16:24). Instead, we should make heaven our choice, as well as our firmly fixed goal, if for no other reason than to avoid eternal punishment.
Other reasons exist to desire heaven. Many still experience great sorrows in this life; personal tragedies remain unavoidable—even for the wealthy. Such sadness does not exist in heaven: "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away" (Rev. 21:4).
Imagine every need being provided for! "For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of water" (Rev. 7:17). This verse calls to mind the 23rd Psalm, which has comforted generations of believers. For those who have worked hard all of their lives, heaven is a place of rest (Rev. 14:13). There will still be activity, but it will be without fatigue and mixed with enjoyment.
Many people here on earth worry about being the victims of crime, such as a CEO* walking down the street or a leader like Charlie Kirk* (not to mention youths who just happened to be killed for no crime of their own). Others fear the actions of terrorists or being the victim of the unprincipled and unpunished of society (many criminals being neither arrested nor even tried). Heaven is a place where sin and its horrible consequences cannot penetrate. Heaven is a place where Satan cannot infiltrate and where evil cannot even remotely threaten. No drug dealers, thugs, or murderers will inhabit the place where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13).
Heaven is the place where God and all good blessings dwell (Rev. 21:1-7, 22-26). Heaven is also a place of everlasting reward for all of God's faithful servants (Matt. 25:21). Are you living in such a way that heaven will be your eternal home? *[updated from 1997]