In a world where self‑preservation drives much of our behavior, it’s no surprise that people often approach faith the same way. In general, people want safety, security, and hope for a better future in this life. With faith we want the same things: ultimately, we want to go to Heaven. These are all good goals.
According to Scripture, Heaven is not a metaphor or a comforting idea — it’s a real place where God and Jesus dwell. Acts 7:55–56 records Stephen (the first Christian martyr), moments before his death, seeing “the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” What Stephen saw was not symbolic, it was reality.
Jesus Himself used the promise of Heaven to encourage His disciples. In John 14:1–2, He spoke of His Father’s house and the many dwelling places prepared for the faithful. The hope of Heaven is a powerful motivator, especially for new believers. But as Christians grow, our motivations need to grow also, and our faith needs to turn outward. The Christian focus becomes less about “What do I get?” and more about “How can I help?”
Stephen’s final moments illustrate this shift. In Acts 7:59-60 he cried out to Jesus to take him, but with his last breath he prayed for the forgiveness of those killing him. He saw Heaven right there and of course wanted to go, but his faith didn’t stop there, it expanded outward to help others.
Heaven Is a Reward
Jesus promised that those persecuted for His sake should “rejoice, for your reward is great in Heaven” (Luke 6:22–23). James spoke of a “crown of life” for those who remain steadfast (James 1:12). Paul, nearing the end of his life, wrote confidently about the “crown of righteousness” the Lord would “award” him (2nd Timothy 4:7–8).
Crowns symbolize victory and something of great value. Whether literal or figurative, the message is unmistakable: Heaven is amazing, and God uses it to motivate us. Heaven is the intended end of our journey, but God blesses our spiritual lives with more.
The Danger of Self‑Centered Christianity
Sin has always turned people inward. The first temptation of mankind in the Garden of Eden was rooted in self‑interest: What do I want? What will this do for me? That same inward thinking can distort our spiritual lives today. If we’re not careful we ask, “How do I feel?”, “What’s in it for me?”, or “Why is this happening to me?”
But Scripture teaches that the solution to sin is not more self‑focus. It is first turning toward God, and then outward to others. Christianity is not just a great self‑improvement project, it’s a transformation.
God Has Shown Us the Way — Personally
We don’t have to wonder about the nature of God; the Bible is very clear on the subject. In 1st John 4:8, John the apostle wrote, “God is love”. Further, God doesn’t merely define love — He demonstrated what it was in practice. “God sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him” (1 John 4:9). This is “agape” love, or doing what is best for the one who is loved, even if it hurts the one who loves. God certainly showed us what love is, personally, by sending His own son to save us.
Jesus Has Shown Us the Way — Personally
Jesus summarized the entire law with two commands: love God with everything you have, and then love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37, 39). He embodied both perfectly. The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 5:8 that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Even as He hung dying on the cross, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). In the middle of sacrificing Himself to save others, He took the time to plead on behalf of those responsible for His death.
Mature Christianity Looks Like Christ
Paul’s words in Philippians 2:3–8 call Christians to imitate the mindset of Jesus — an attitude defined by humility to God, thinking less of self and more of service to others. Jesus came to serve, not to be served (Matthew 20:28). One of His final acts before the cross was washing the feet of His disciples (John 13), a task normally for the lowest servant.
Christians are called to grow in maturity into people who (like Jesus) care less about self-preservation and more about serving others.
Application: When Faith Turns Outward
What does outward‑focused faith look like in everyday life? It is a transformation. Outward faith is a growth situation, where we need to change our thoughts and attitudes.
We need to:
1. Shift from “What do I get?” to “How can I share what I have?”
2. Shift from a private faith to a shared one.
God has always expected His people to pass on what they’ve received:
· Like His ancient people were directed, we too must teach our children to know God! (Deuteronomy 6:6–7)
· Early Christians were rebuked since they should have been teachers at that point, but weren’t. (Hebrews 5:12)
3. Shift from comfort to compassion.
The trust in God’s promises that Christians are saved is real and comforting. Compassion goes further and asks, “Who else needs God’s blessing?” We must share salvation with others; we must love like Jesus.
Conclusion
Self‑centered faith is small, anxious, and exhausting. It keeps us focused on our fears, failures, and only our personal future. An outward‑focused faith is Christlike, God‑centered, and full of love.
And here’s a secret: it is also joyful. When Christians turn their faith outward, they find energy and joy in accomplishing God’s will. We can find peace even when things get worse in life.
Heaven is real and definitely a reward. The journey to get there is shaped by love — the kind of love that looks outward, like Christ’s.
Questions or comments? Want to study more? Please contact me directly if so:
Jeff S. Mullen
830-554-0701
blancohillschurch@gmail.com