Every true believer is a pilgrim and stranger in this world. Our real citizenship is in heaven. The Christian journey is not merely about existing in this temporal world, but living each day with heaven in view. The awareness of our eternal home should shape our thoughts, choices and conduct. When we live with heaven in view, we walk differently, think differently and love differently. We live not for the applause of men, but for the approval of the Master.
Heaven is not a myth or imagination. It is a real place prepared for a prepared people. Jesus said: “I go to prepare a place for you,” (John 14:2). Therefore, our greatest pursuit should not be earthly possessions or worldly fame, but the eternal inheritance reserved for those who love the Lord. The question is: Are you living daily with heaven in view?
The Reality Of Heaven
Heaven is the dwelling place of God, the throne of His glory, and the eternal home of all the redeemed. The Bible says: “For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come,” (Hebrews 13:14). It is a place of perfect peace, joy and righteousness. There is no sorrow, sickness, pain or death there. The saints of all ages, the angels and the Lord Jesus Himself dwell there in everlasting light.
Heaven is not a reward for religion, but a destination for the redeemed. It is not for churchgoers, but for those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of Life. Heaven is real and hell is also real. While many live as if this world is all there is, the Word of God reminds us that life here is temporary. We are only passing through. Living with heaven in view means that you see beyond the pleasures of today to the glories of eternity.
The Call For Heavenly Mindset
Paul admonished believers, “set your affection on things above.” This is a conscious and deliberate choice. Our minds naturally drift toward earthly concerns such as money, status, comfort and success, but God calls us to lift our eyes higher. To live with heaven in view is to prioritise the eternal over the temporal, to choose spiritual investments over material gains.
A heavenly mindset transforms how we handle trials and temptations. When your heart is fixed on heaven, you understand that no earthly suffering can compare with the glory that shall be revealed (Romans 8:18). You endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ because you know that your crown awaits you at the finish line. You forgive easily because you know that bitterness has no place in heaven. You love sacrificially because that is the language of heaven.
The Example of Christ And The Saints
Jesus Christ lived with heaven constantly in view. Though He walked among men, His heart was always aligned with the will of His Father. He said: “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work,” (John 4:34). His obedience, humility and sacrifice were all driven by the joy set before Him — the joy of redeeming humanity and returning to the Father’s glory (Hebrews 12:2).
Likewise, the early apostles and believers lived as men whose eyes were fixed on eternity. Paul said: “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour,” (Philippians 3:20). They suffered persecution, endured hardship, and even faced death joyfully because they were sure of a better home. Stephen, while being stoned, looked up and saw heaven opened (Acts 7:55–56). He died with heaven in view.
How different our Christian lives would be if we lived like them! If heaven were truly our focus, we would not be swayed by the glitter of this world. We would spend our time wisely, use our resources for God’s kingdom, and walk in holiness all our days.
The Character Of Those Who Live With Heaven In View
To live with heaven in view is to live in holiness. Heaven is a holy place, and only holy people will enter there. The Bible declares, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). Those who set their minds on heaven must live pure lives on earth.
It also means living a life of love. Heaven is a place of perfect love because God Himself is love. We cannot claim to be preparing for heaven, while harbouring hatred, malice or unforgiveness. Love is the mark of those who belong to God (John 13:35).
Living with heaven in view also produces humility. The proud and arrogant have no place before God’s throne. When you know that all earthly things will fade away, you hold them lightly. You do not boast in riches, positions or achievements, for you understand that heaven values faith, obedience and humility far above all else.
Finally, it produces a spirit of readiness. A person living with heaven in view does not toy with sin or delay repentance. He watches and prays always because he knows that the coming of the Lord can happen at any moment. Jesus warned: “Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh,” (Matthew 24:44).
The Hindrances To Living With Heaven In View
There are many distractions that can rob believers of heavenly focus. The first is worldliness, which is the love of pleasure, fame and material things. The Scripture warns that, “friendship with the world is enmity with God,” (James 4:4). When we become too attached to earthly pursuits, our vision of heaven grows dim.
Another hindrance is spiritual lukewarmness. When prayer becomes a burden, and the word of God no longer excites us, our eyes turn from heaven to the world. The Laodicean Church was warned to repent and rekindle their zeal, for they had become lukewarm and self-satisfied.
Sin is the greatest hindrance of all. Sin clouds spiritual sight and also breaks fellowship with God. Those living in secret sin cannot walk in tLazarus Muokahe light of heaven. To live with heaven in view, we must daily examine ourselves, confess our faults, and walk in righteousness through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Rewards of Living With Heaven in View
Those who keep heaven in view will not labour in vain. The Scripture says: “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life,” (Revelation 2:10). There are crowns prepared for the righteous such as crown of righteousness, crown of life, crown of glory including those who love His appearing and serve faithfully till the end.
Moreover, living with heaven in view gives peace in this present world. While others are troubled by fear and uncertainty, the heavenly-minded believer rests in the assurance that all things work together for good. He rejoices in hope, patient in tribulation and steadfast in faith because his treasure is not here, but laid up above.
When the journey ends, such a believer will hear those glorious words from the Master: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy lord,” (Matthew 25:21). What greater reward could there be than eternal fellowship with the Lord, Who loved us and gave Himself for us?
Practical Ways to Live With Heaven in View
• Spend time in God’s word daily. The word renews your mind and reminds you of eternal realities.
• Pray without ceasing. Prayer keeps your heart aligned with God and strengthens your spiritual focus.
• Fellowship with other believers. Encourage one another and stay accountable in your Christian walk.
• Serve faithfully. Use your gifts, time and resources to advance God’s kingdom.
• Avoid worldly entanglements. Don’t let temporary pleasures rob you of eternal joy.
• Live ready. Confess your sin quickly, forgive freely and keep your heart pure. The trumpet may sound anytime.
Beloved, heaven is real, and Christ is coming soon. The signs of the times confirm that we are closer than ever to His return. Let us, therefore, live every day with heaven in view. Let our speech, conduct and priorities reflect that we are citizens of another kingdom. Remember that this world is not our home; we are only passing through. Let nothing on earth be strong enough to make you miss heaven.
Let us live to please God, walk in holiness, love one another, and serve faithfully until the end. When our journey is over, may we all be found worthy to enter that glorious city, where there shall be no night, no sorrow, no tears, but only joy in the presence of our Lord forever.
