Is it possible to make an idol out of heaven?

[chi_cchick]

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Take 2 at this Question

I was obsessed with pinterest and designing the perfect life. I used to collect DVDs and other things. I wanted a huge wardrobe with lots of beautiful things to wear.

Recently I've decided that I want to follow God more closely and give any spare money I have to charity and church missions.

I've become obsessed with Heaven, where I believe will be huge beautiful houses, all of the things we desired on earth but couldn't have, many pets etc.

What do you think heaven will be like? Is it possible to make an idol out of heaven? I'm into photography and imagine having many nice photos of myself. Its possible I'm making an idol out of myself and the things I want. The truth is, I don't know how to love God and desire his presense. Some people think heaven is 100% worshiping God, rather than doing fun things and having nice things.

I gave up on my pinterest and my extensive bucket list, because I feel like it's more important to look after people in poverty and to witness to people in the short time we have here. What do you think?

 

[timf]

Its possible I'm making an idol out of myself and the things I want.

Many people approach Christianity as if it is a skill set that can be mastered. This was beginning to happen to the Galatians and Paul wrote them a stinging letter as to how dangerous this approach can be.

The reason that it is dangerous is that it can lead to the condition of the Pharisees. They had become so caught up in what they had accomplished that they were blind to Jesus and the truth.

You are to be commended on seeing this possibility in yourself and asking about alternatives.

Christianity is not about what you accomplish or achieve. It is about what God is able to do through you. Consider the advice Peter gave to those Christians who were about to undergo severe persecution. He told them to be ready to give a reason for the hope that was within them. They did not have to go out and make things happen, only to be ready for the opportunities that God would bring their way.

The more you can surrender your life to Jesus and the work of his Spirit in you, the more you will grow in gratitude, and selflessness (which is essentially the 1 Cor. 13 definition of love).

We all have our daily work to do, However, as we do so, we can think of how we need to do it for the Lord so that our hearts remain sensitive to his leading. Ephesians chapter four tells us the whole purpose of the church is to help each of us become like Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:15 and for all he died, that those living, no more to themselves may live, but to him who died for them, and was raised again.

If you have a goal oriented personality and are driven towards achievement, the Lord can use this, but there is a danger that you can be diverted as well. Consider making the goal of your focus to be prayer. This can help you focus on the needs of others as well as crying out for wisdom and understanding for yourself.

 

[TPeterY]

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Take 2 at this Question

I was obsessed with pinterest and designing the perfect life. I used to collect DVDs and other things. I wanted a huge wardrobe with lots of beautiful things to wear.

Recently I've decided that I want to follow God more closely and give any spare money I have to charity and church missions.

I've become obsessed with Heaven, where I believe will be huge beautiful houses, all of the things we desired on earth but couldn't have, many pets etc.

What do you think heaven will be like? Is it possible to make an idol out of heaven? I'm into photography and imagine having many nice photos of myself. Its possible I'm making an idol out of myself and the things I want. The truth is, I don't know how to love God and desire his presense. Some people think heaven is 100% worshiping God, rather than doing fun things and having nice things.

I gave up on my pinterest and my extensive bucket list, because I feel like it's more important to look after people in poverty and to witness to people in the short time we have here. What do you think?

I think you have the right attitude. Just the word "idol" in your title might throw a few readers off, but by all means it's great to have that passion and desire for Heaven and everything of it, and not the things of this world.

To answer a comment you made about worshiping Father God in Heaven. It is true you will hear many praises for Father God while in Heaven. The reason is because He's constantly blessing and giving many things to everyone. People won't be able to hold back their gratitude.

He's the great creator and has an infinite supply of anything and everything He wants to share with everyone. He knows our deepest desires and know what we enjoy doing most, and He'll supply those gifts to each of us according to our desires. Anything your heart's desire is possible. That's Heaven.

This is what Jesus has to offer us in Heaven that will last forever.

So for those reading this, the question to ask is, "do I want what's here on earth now or do I want what Heaven has to offer later?"

Best answer I can tell anyone is concentrate on your relationship with Father God. Diligently find out what pleases Him and just work on His desires first, and He'll fulfill your desires later and forever.

Deuteronomy 4:29 (NKJV)
But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Psalm 37:4 (NKJV)
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

Additional information. Three things very high on Father God's list are:
*He desires a personal and intimate relationship with each of us.
*He loves people.
*He wants the gospel preached to everyone so that as many people as possible will be with Jesus when He returns.

 

[Harry3142]

Heaven is not just a place; it's also an attitude. Rather than our looking forward to nice things and fine homes, we are to look forward to serving God on a much higher plain than we are capable of accomplishing while here. Even though it will be a place of perpetual peace and joy, it would be fitting for it to also be a place where we will receive greater assignments to complete in the furtherance of the kingdom of God.

 

[GraceTruthLove]

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Take 2 at this Question

I was obsessed with pinterest and designing the perfect life. I used to collect DVDs and other things. I wanted a huge wardrobe with lots of beautiful things to wear.

Recently I've decided that I want to follow God more closely and give any spare money I have to charity and church missions.

I've become obsessed with Heaven, where I believe will be huge beautiful houses, all of the things we desired on earth but couldn't have, many pets etc.

What do you think heaven will be like? Is it possible to make an idol out of heaven? I'm into photography and imagine having many nice photos of myself. Its possible I'm making an idol out of myself and the things I want. The truth is, I don't know how to love God and desire his presense. Some people think heaven is 100% worshiping God, rather than doing fun things and having nice things.

I gave up on my pinterest and my extensive bucket list, because I feel like it's more important to look after people in poverty and to witness to people in the short time we have here. What do you think?

Keep it it simple. For the most important thing is "He answered, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Luke 10. And again: "And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us." 1 John 3:23

That doesn't mean you go out and do all the good works you can think of. That is a religious mindset: that urge to "do." "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8.

Rather it means to "be." You are the love of Christ to all those in need He leads you to because Christ in you is love. One listens to the Spirit and and walks in the works that God directs one to. " For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:9.

So, essentially, the most important thing is loving God and loving others through God. It is not about the sacrifices or "good stuff" we think of and do, thinking that such will please God.

 

[parsley]

Christianity is not about what you accomplish or achieve. It is about what God is able to do through you.

Gathering visuals of beautiful things elevates mood, so I don't think it's much different from the adrenaline of sports or an action movie -- it cheers us up. Even though you feel remorse for wanting to define your life by beautiful things, I think we all do that -- it's part of competition and even social survival. But it shouldn't be, so we end up playing a game of competition when we should be building each other up.

Since you know pretty things and color cheer you up, maybe you could give friends colorful things that perk them up when they're down.

I see what you're saying about heaven. The recognition and remorse might be all you need to set your mind in a better place about it. Remind yourself daily that you're a child of the King, and it will seem less important to build up material clutter. (Pre-hoarding, fortunately Pins don't take up much room.)

But back to motivations to collect beautiful things -- when people's professions relate to design or fashion or beauty, this is useful research. Just use your time wisely, relate to people lovingly, and keep your eyes on your heavenly Father.

 

[Peripatetic]

Very interesting topic... it's one that I've been thinking about over the last few days, so I was surprised to find it here! If anything, I think most people undervalue Heaven by imagining the cliches like playing harps, floating in the clouds, and boring idleness. Or they fear it as I did when I was a kid because I was freaked out by the meaning of forever.

On the other hand, I think it is possible to make Heaven an idol. One way is to infer too much from the Bible so that Heaven fits our own defined box. I've heard preachers teach Heaven in the exacting detail of their own interpretations. This also seems to be tied to end times obsession too, with a desperate hope to be raptured away.

Another way might be to dwell too much on Heaven's rewards. I suspect this is the area that you and I are wondering about. I think a great deal about about what will be "perfect" there (relationships, health, contentment) and the pleasures that will be amazing. For example, I'm passionate about music and I shudder at the thought of how amazing it must be in Heaven. Is that a selfish mindset? Am I not thinking enough about fellowship with God and the profound honor and joy it will be to praise Him?

Ultimately, I think it's OK to take comfort in the future rewards of Heaven. It helps us to endure the hardships we face now, and allows us to focus more on others, knowing that our blessings will come - a sort of "delayed gratification" that is healthy and better than chasing every pleasure now while we ignore those who need our service. I think we just need to humbly admit that we don't know everything about it, and be OK with the mystery that awaits, knowing that will be better than anything we can imagine.

 

[chi_cchick]

I hope theres facebook in heaven... and photos... and the sims. Lol. Wonder what Adam and Eve would think.

 

[steve_bakr]

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Take 2 at this Question

I was obsessed with pinterest and designing the perfect life. I used to collect DVDs and other things. I wanted a huge wardrobe with lots of beautiful things to wear.

Recently I've decided that I want to follow God more closely and give any spare money I have to charity and church missions.

I've become obsessed with Heaven, where I believe will be huge beautiful houses, all of the things we desired on earth but couldn't have, many pets etc.

What do you think heaven will be like? Is it possible to make an idol out of heaven? I'm into photography and imagine having many nice photos of myself. Its possible I'm making an idol out of myself and the things I want. The truth is, I don't know how to love God and desire his presense. Some people think heaven is 100% worshiping God, rather than doing fun things and having nice things.

I gave up on my pinterest and my extensive bucket list, because I feel like it's more important to look after people in poverty and to witness to people in the short time we have here. What do you think?

It sounds like you are moving in the right direction. I also encourage your charity. I disagree with the poster who seemed to minimize the importance of your charity. Charity is a very good thing.

I do think that we Christians can idolize heaven because it begins to appear that we are thinking of our own desires. I don't know what heaven is like, but I like the poster who said that heaven was about our attitude--or, state of mind.

I don't know what your aspirations are, but some beautiful things can be seen as reflections of the Divine beauty. I knew a young woman who did some modeling, so it was only natural for her to have photographs of herself.

 

[A New Day]

chi_cchick

I salute that mind that you have.

I like to tell you about the good news, every epoch has its glitter and what not, today we have facebook and in the future there may be an other thing, and if you were living in an other time before or later you will have an other thing that interests you, what does not change is God and his promise that we will be with him.

May God bless you