Imagine being at the World Series. Game seven. Fifth inning.
(For purposes of comprehension, at this point please substitute whatever sports metaphor is appropriate for you.)
You've got seats just behind YOUR teams dugout. All of a sudden, the coach comes out, squinting against the sun, points to you, and says, "Suit up! You're going in!"
What do you think you would feel in that moment?
Fear?
Confusion?
Doubt?
Uncertainty?
It is only natural that you would feel all these things. You are being put into a position for which you are completely unprepared.
What if Heaven turned out to be the same way?
You see, when you get to Heaven, the Coach is going to put you in. You will have a position. You will have responsibilities in the governing of creation. Do you really want to go into that situation unprepared? Untrained?
...train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
1 Timothy 4:7–8 (ESV)
This life is our opportunity to prepare for the life to come. And all that it holds. Training camp, if you will.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Psalm 1:1-3 (ESV)
Turn your back on patterns of sin in your life.
Dedicate yourself to The Word. Read it. Study it. Meditate on it. Consume it.
Put yourself in His hands. Submit to His will. Follow where He leads.
This is godliness, and in developing it you are training for reigning.
Think about it.
Pastor Jason