Joy in Heaven

There is so much talk about the world being more wicked than ever before.  I wonder sometimes why people even talk like that.  What is the point of comparing today with something that you can never experience again.  Only in science fiction can you go back in time and re-live past events.  Life must go on.  Most of this nostalgic thinking is based on how you perceived the past was or some idealized depiction in the movies.


Some will even bemoan the fact that there are more people doing wrong or evil in the world.   Is this really a bad thing?  Jesus didn't think so.  Jesus associated with people that many would probably avoid.   


He stated in Luke 15:7, "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.


If you look in the Bible dictionary you find that repentance is a "change of mind" or a "fresh view" about God, about oneself, and about the world.


So instead of bemoaning how bad you think things are getting; try to take a fresh view of the world.  It can be a wonderful place to do good, to be kind to your neighbor, to help someone, to give some time to a good cause.   


Instead of thinking how bad people are, think about helping them have a fresh view of themselves.  I love taking pictures.  Some people really don't think they have much worth.  Once they see the pictures they seem to have a fresh view of themselves.   That makes me really happy too.   


Instead of sitting in your little groups, clubs or congregations and being happy that "those people" aren't anywhere near us; try to get to know someone and what their struggles are.  Just think about it, one of "those people" can come into your little circle and there can be more joy in heaven for that one person than for every meeting, activity and event that you have without them.  I found the best way to help someone "change their mind" is not to tell them how wrong they are but to listen.  Most of the time, people come to their own conclusions if someone would take a few minutes and care a little bit.


I guess what I am trying to say is that it doesn't matter whether you are the one person that wants to change, needs to change or if you are the person who doesn't think he needs to change....anyone can have a fresh view and have joy. And you don't even need to wait for heaven.