How to Live ‘In Christ’ and Experience Heaven on Earth

Philippians 3:14 (NIV)

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

We live in a culture of comparison. We compare ourselves to our co-workers and neighbors. Women often compare their appearance to that of other women. Men compare their bank accounts. Preachers compare churches. And it seems like everyone compares likes and followers. But to press on toward the goal, the only person we can compare ourselves to is Jesus Christ. We can only press on when we live in Christ.

The phrase ‘in Christ' is used so frequently in church jargon, but living within its meaning is not done often. It is to live in such a way that His character, purpose, and aim envelop who we are. When we live in a way that escapes these parameters, we are not living in Christ. As believers, we only press forward when we compare our character, purpose, and aim each day to His, making every effort to align ourselves with Him in these areas. 

We might consider our neighbor and think we are doing better than they are. We might think we are a better husband, wife, or Christian than Uncle Joe or Aunt Betty. But the only person we need to look at is Jesus. Pressing forward to experience Heaven on Earth is to live ‘in Christ’ daily. Knowing we will fall short, we quickly turn back to Him when we fail. 

My character, the purpose I choose, and the aim of my life will not carry me Heavenward. I will not experience Heaven on Earth. I will dismiss the still, small voice of God within me. But when I look only to be like Jesus in every way, Heaven begins to roll on into my life and those who are blessed by the overflow. We are called to be like Him and aim our lives at the same goal as He, then Heaven will fall into our lives. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to never settle with my spiritual maturity, but continually press on into Your character, Your purpose, focused on Your aim. Amen.