A dear friend and mentor of mine, who passed away several years ago, had this cliche’ that he would use to remind us all of our eternal destiny. This combination of terms should serve as a constant reminder to each Christian that we are only here temporarily. We have an eternal destination that we must prepare for. Let’s examine it a little closer.

“What on earth” If we are to make preparation for heaven, it must be done while we are alive on planet earth. Jesus said, “I must work the works of Him that sent me while it is day, the night cometh when no man can work.” (John 9:4). Keep in mind what Abraham said to the rich man; “Son remember in thy lifetime....” (Luke 16:25). The idea of purgatory is not in the scriptures. Once this life is over, our fate is sealed for all of eternity. The Hebrew writer tells us that after death comes judgment (Heb. 9:27). At the moment of death, our destiny will be sealed and certain. Life is uncertain and death comes to all. The time of Jesus’ coming is known to none but heaven.

Are you doing” Whatever ever preparations that are made for heaven must be made by we ourselves. The inspired apostle Paul tells us that each one of us must give account of himself (Romans 14:12). Just because my father was a gospel preacher and a faithful Christian, that does not mean that I have a free ticket to heaven.

Notice also the term “doing”. There is something that must be done. And we must be the ones to do it. Notice what the penitent believers on the day of Pentecost said. “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Jesus said “Not everyone that saith unto me.... but he that DOETH the will of my Father....” (Matt. 7:21-23).

“For heaven’s sake” I need to ask myself if what I am spending my time on has any eternal significance. It is very easy to get caught up in all of the little, day-to-day urgencies and let the important things slip by. If the phone is ringing while I'm having an important discusion with my wife, or my child is telling me something that is very important to him, then I need to let it ring. Jesus warned about letting the “cares of this world and deceitfulness of riches” entangle and distract us, (Matt. 13:22).

Satan would be very happy if he could just get us to re-arrange our priorities. He wants us to put God lower on the list and our self interests higher. In doing so, we serve him and not God. This has been his strategy since the Garden of Eden.

Let us live with this question always in our minds. “What on earth am I doing for heaven’s sake?”