If Everything is Perfect In Heaven, Why Does God Work So Hard On Our Character?
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Great post, RickyZ 
.
I find it interesting thinking about how much we will automatically "know" when we get to heaven, including a Universal Language. One of the most enjoyable parts of life to me is learning about subjects I'm interested in. For me, heaven is knowing I have unlimited time in a perfect setting in which I can always LEARN and ask God all the questions I've ever had. I personally believe party of why God polishes our character is to prepare our minds for an eternity of being able to take things in.
For instance, as I've written about before, I was found in a cardboard box in the street. When I get to heaven, I've always told God I would like to see that box. In fact, it was my first "house" and could very well be my eternal one for all I care. I mean, I'd be in HEAVEN. I don't need anything else, even though Jesus said He would prepare a room for us.
I have told God many times that all I want to do in heaven is LEARN from Him. One of my favorite animals is the shark, especially hammerheads and great whites. "God, what made you think of using cartilage instead of bone for their skeletons?" (Yes, I realize one reason is because it's lighter but I always wonder "how" God designed things like cartilage and bone in the first place.) "God, what made you think of designing multiple rows of teeth? And how did you come up with the idea of a swim bladder?" I have questions like this about everything in life. To me, heaven would be spending an eternity learning about EVERYTHING. Or do you think we'll automatically know? For me, that would spoil some of the fun, but of course, God knows best and who am I to argue with His method once we get there.
I have always been interested in arts and crafts. What would it be like spending an eternity learning from people who have performed, perfected, and are still learning their crafts for eons of time before me? Think of how amazing that would be!!!
Just a few months ago, for some reason, I was asking God about our fingernails and toenails. I mean, why? Why a surface that's constantly growing? And I believe God was helping me understand that the tips of our fingers and toes take a HUGE beating. Look closely at your nails and you'll see all kinds of scratches and dents. Think of how raw your fingertips would be after a year without the nails. And I believe He was trying to help me understand that because of that, He designed a surface that is being constantly replaced and renewed. Now, I could be wrong.
But for me, these are my most EXCITING moments with God-- the times when the Holy Spirit takes a jackhammer to whatever is holding me back and blows the doors of my mind wide open. I've had glimpses of that here on earth, so the thought of the possibilities in heaven truly blow my mind.
One of my favorite very passages is Jeremiah 33:3--"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
God has a wonderful sense of irony. My grandparents and parents are not "learned" people and do not have college degrees. And yet, God gave them a child who, from the very start, asked about EVERYTHING. (Can you imagine what I was like during my 2-year-old "BUT WHY???" phase?) I am pretty sure I drove my parents to the 7th level of insanity! And still do today.
.I find it interesting thinking about how much we will automatically "know" when we get to heaven, including a Universal Language. One of the most enjoyable parts of life to me is learning about subjects I'm interested in. For me, heaven is knowing I have unlimited time in a perfect setting in which I can always LEARN and ask God all the questions I've ever had. I personally believe party of why God polishes our character is to prepare our minds for an eternity of being able to take things in.
For instance, as I've written about before, I was found in a cardboard box in the street. When I get to heaven, I've always told God I would like to see that box. In fact, it was my first "house" and could very well be my eternal one for all I care. I mean, I'd be in HEAVEN. I don't need anything else, even though Jesus said He would prepare a room for us.
I have told God many times that all I want to do in heaven is LEARN from Him. One of my favorite animals is the shark, especially hammerheads and great whites. "God, what made you think of using cartilage instead of bone for their skeletons?" (Yes, I realize one reason is because it's lighter but I always wonder "how" God designed things like cartilage and bone in the first place.) "God, what made you think of designing multiple rows of teeth? And how did you come up with the idea of a swim bladder?" I have questions like this about everything in life. To me, heaven would be spending an eternity learning about EVERYTHING. Or do you think we'll automatically know? For me, that would spoil some of the fun, but of course, God knows best and who am I to argue with His method once we get there.
I have always been interested in arts and crafts. What would it be like spending an eternity learning from people who have performed, perfected, and are still learning their crafts for eons of time before me? Think of how amazing that would be!!!
Just a few months ago, for some reason, I was asking God about our fingernails and toenails. I mean, why? Why a surface that's constantly growing? And I believe God was helping me understand that the tips of our fingers and toes take a HUGE beating. Look closely at your nails and you'll see all kinds of scratches and dents. Think of how raw your fingertips would be after a year without the nails. And I believe He was trying to help me understand that because of that, He designed a surface that is being constantly replaced and renewed. Now, I could be wrong.
But for me, these are my most EXCITING moments with God-- the times when the Holy Spirit takes a jackhammer to whatever is holding me back and blows the doors of my mind wide open. I've had glimpses of that here on earth, so the thought of the possibilities in heaven truly blow my mind.
One of my favorite very passages is Jeremiah 33:3--"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
God has a wonderful sense of irony. My grandparents and parents are not "learned" people and do not have college degrees. And yet, God gave them a child who, from the very start, asked about EVERYTHING. (Can you imagine what I was like during my 2-year-old "BUT WHY???" phase?
) I am pretty sure I drove my parents to the 7th level of insanity! And still do today.
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Get Jesus back? ? ? GOD is omnipresent, in every cubic inch and every second of time at the same time.
HE IS ALSO ALL KNOWING.
PLUS:
2 Corinthians 5:19 (ASV)
[SUP]19 [/SUP] to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not reckoning unto them their trespasses, and having committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Once again, these are just my own thoughts.
As I wrote in another thread, I found out my ex-father-in-law passed away a few years ago and we had been quite close. He was an unbeliever. It breaks my heart to know I will never see him again. I have a good friend whose mother died and was an unbeliever as well. I can't imagine that pain. My friend even said, "I have thought of trying to to go hell to see my Mom again, but I know whatever she is now, she's not my mother anymore."
Henceforth, I had wondered to myself, if part of the deal for our salvation meant that God would never see Jesus again, aka, "never get Him back", would He have still done it?
Scriptures are helpful when given within context but for all you regulars in the Bible Forum who are used to pasting long walls of Scripture and... "teaching"... if you read my posts carefully, you should be able to discern that I'm not arguing God's Sovereignty or His Word.
I'm just a simple-minded person of Christ pondering some of His principles.
As I wrote in another thread, I found out my ex-father-in-law passed away a few years ago and we had been quite close. He was an unbeliever. It breaks my heart to know I will never see him again. I have a good friend whose mother died and was an unbeliever as well. I can't imagine that pain. My friend even said, "I have thought of trying to to go hell to see my Mom again, but I know whatever she is now, she's not my mother anymore."
Henceforth, I had wondered to myself, if part of the deal for our salvation meant that God would never see Jesus again, aka, "never get Him back", would He have still done it?
Scriptures are helpful when given within context but for all you regulars in the Bible Forum who are used to pasting long walls of Scripture and... "teaching"... if you read my posts carefully, you should be able to discern that I'm not arguing God's Sovereignty or His Word.
I'm just a simple-minded person of Christ pondering some of His principles.
Paul chastised churches for arguing, saying (Phil 2:2) be of one mind. In 'heaven' we will, be of one mind.
(Funny how that doesn't stop me from arguing with myself here on earth
(And I denote 'heaven', because that's not really our final destination)
(Funny how that doesn't stop me from arguing with myself here on earth
(And I denote 'heaven', because that's not really our final destination)
I got news for you, on Earth Mainline Christian Denominations are of one mind already on the Core of Christian Beliefs.
The inerrancy of the Bible in it's original manuscripts.
There is only ONE GOD, that has ever existed or ever will exist, and that ONE GOD is made up of three personages, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; and all three are co-equally that One GOD.
Man is by nature a sinful being in need of Salvation.
Salvation is by Grace through Faith, which is a gift of GOD.
Those who are washed in the Blood of the Cross are called to LOVE and Obey GOD.
Jesus Christ Will Come Again.
Eternal Punishment in Hell is for Real and Forever, for those who reject the real Jesus Christ.
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I would kindly ask that we please stay within the topic and context of the thread if you would like to post here--otherwise, please feel free to begin your own thread in another place.
This is EXACTLY why I stay out of the Bible Forum and did not mean to drag it in here.
Please refrain from lecturing one another. I write for respectful, encouraging discussion, not practicing sermons.
Thanks in advance.
This is EXACTLY why I stay out of the Bible Forum and did not mean to drag it in here.
Please refrain from lecturing one another. I write for respectful, encouraging discussion, not practicing sermons.
Thanks in advance.
Why does God work so hard on our character?
I don't have an answer... but praise the Lord that He does! I would hate to see where or who I'd be if he didn't. I've had some deep character flaws over the years that He has helped me understand and begin to rehabilitate. It has been a humbling process. I have a special place in my heart for God's Word but my heart leaps when I read Phillipians 1:6.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ
I don't have an answer... but praise the Lord that He does! I would hate to see where or who I'd be if he didn't. I've had some deep character flaws over the years that He has helped me understand and begin to rehabilitate. It has been a humbling process. I have a special place in my heart for God's Word but my heart leaps when I read Phillipians 1:6.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ
J
'we' , born again, set apart(literally "HOLY") believers, ARE today, already , in union with ABBA in Messiah Jesus.
(admittedly, dramatically, not in most if any organized groups)
see Ephesians, Philippians, Revelation, First John, First Peter etc etc for examples. and perhaps foxes book of martyrs, and the spiritual man by watchman nee from cfp(christian fellowship publishers) that shows how 'we' ekklesia (not organized groups) are already one in Christ Jesus, and the (organized) chruch is against us.
not just do 'we' ekklesia rejoice in unity in christ jesus in yahweh the creator, but in union with him, today, already, it is so.
thankfully, this is because "he works in us" to do his will, and "flesh and blood has not revealed this to us, but the father in heaven " and "with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible(and btw more accomplished than most people ever see or dream of)" and
finally "the kingdom of God(now on earth in ekklesia, where He rules) is not about 'getting' , no, but self-sacrificial giving. I(Jesus) know you don't know how, come to Me, and I will show you how(to live)"
there is the purpose and plan of God's 'working' on our character - not fixiing it, but replacing it with a whole new creation,
and gradually 'working' it into everyday, all the time, life!
(admittedly, dramatically, not in most if any organized groups)
see Ephesians, Philippians, Revelation, First John, First Peter etc etc for examples. and perhaps foxes book of martyrs, and the spiritual man by watchman nee from cfp(christian fellowship publishers) that shows how 'we' ekklesia (not organized groups) are already one in Christ Jesus, and the (organized) chruch is against us.
not just do 'we' ekklesia rejoice in unity in christ jesus in yahweh the creator, but in union with him, today, already, it is so.
thankfully, this is because "he works in us" to do his will, and "flesh and blood has not revealed this to us, but the father in heaven " and "with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible(and btw more accomplished than most people ever see or dream of)" and
finally "the kingdom of God(now on earth in ekklesia, where He rules) is not about 'getting' , no, but self-sacrificial giving. I(Jesus) know you don't know how, come to Me, and I will show you how(to live)"
there is the purpose and plan of God's 'working' on our character - not fixiing it, but replacing it with a whole new creation,
and gradually 'working' it into everyday, all the time, life!
Why does God work so hard on our character?
I don't have an answer... but praise the Lord that He does! I would hate to see where or who I'd be if he didn't. I've had some deep character flaws over the years that He has helped me understand and begin to rehabilitate. It has been a humbling process. I have a special place in my heart for God's Word but my heart leaps when I read Phillipians 1:6.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ
I don't have an answer... but praise the Lord that He does! I would hate to see where or who I'd be if he didn't. I've had some deep character flaws over the years that He has helped me understand and begin to rehabilitate. It has been a humbling process. I have a special place in my heart for God's Word but my heart leaps when I read Phillipians 1:6.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ
I'm not what I want to be
I'm not what I'm gonna be
But thank God I'm not what I was!
M
I don't know if I can get this to come out right, but...
I have this painting that I've been working on. I started with basically nothing; a blank canvas, and an idea.
I got out the tools I needed- a pencil, first- and began to sketch the shape of a flower. I was pretty pleased with it; it looked fairly realistic, it had the right form, a lot of the finer details I was hoping it would have. I knew it needed more work, but I was happy with what I'd started with.
And then life happened and my son decided to "help", and my pretty picture got messed up. It needed more work. I did what I could to repair the damage, and then started to paint over the sketch I'd done. It seemed to come to life; the more work I put into it, the more beautiful it became.
Right now, this painting is sitting on the table, still unfinished, still a work in progress, but still pretty and pleasing all the same. It makes me happy to see that the work I put into something, something that's been "messed up", is visible to others, and maybe even inspiring (my mom, for instance, saw it one day when she came to visit and after looking at it she said "You know, I think I'll get out my paints and see if I can still remember what to do with them").
So, when I create things, I have a tendency to want to perfect them, to want them make others smile, to inspire people. Sometimes it takes a lot of work; and it can be really tempting to just wipe out the whole project and start again, but there's no sense of...pride or joy...in giving up on a particular project just because it isn't going the way I want it to.
And I think, maybe, God is similar with us- He created us, and He's constantly improving us while we're here on Earth, and it's all for His Glory. Our growth in Him, and our improvement, is all for His pleasure, and to show others what life with Christ can be like- the work God does with us is a testament to Him and inspires Christians and non-Christians alike. We're all works in progress here, so that by the time we get to Heaven, we'll be Masterpieces.
Maybe that's over-simplifying it, I don't know. It's the best way I can come up with to be able to wrap my mind around the concept of perfection in Heaven.
I have this painting that I've been working on. I started with basically nothing; a blank canvas, and an idea.
I got out the tools I needed- a pencil, first- and began to sketch the shape of a flower. I was pretty pleased with it; it looked fairly realistic, it had the right form, a lot of the finer details I was hoping it would have. I knew it needed more work, but I was happy with what I'd started with.
And then life happened and my son decided to "help", and my pretty picture got messed up. It needed more work. I did what I could to repair the damage, and then started to paint over the sketch I'd done. It seemed to come to life; the more work I put into it, the more beautiful it became.
Right now, this painting is sitting on the table, still unfinished, still a work in progress, but still pretty and pleasing all the same. It makes me happy to see that the work I put into something, something that's been "messed up", is visible to others, and maybe even inspiring (my mom, for instance, saw it one day when she came to visit and after looking at it she said "You know, I think I'll get out my paints and see if I can still remember what to do with them").
So, when I create things, I have a tendency to want to perfect them, to want them make others smile, to inspire people. Sometimes it takes a lot of work; and it can be really tempting to just wipe out the whole project and start again, but there's no sense of...pride or joy...in giving up on a particular project just because it isn't going the way I want it to.
And I think, maybe, God is similar with us- He created us, and He's constantly improving us while we're here on Earth, and it's all for His Glory. Our growth in Him, and our improvement, is all for His pleasure, and to show others what life with Christ can be like- the work God does with us is a testament to Him and inspires Christians and non-Christians alike. We're all works in progress here, so that by the time we get to Heaven, we'll be Masterpieces.
Maybe that's over-simplifying it, I don't know. It's the best way I can come up with to be able to wrap my mind around the concept of perfection in Heaven.
I think when we get to Heaven it will be like going home, our old body gone, our spirit bodies at one with God. Our purpose here on Earth is to serve him, he wants us to listen to him and be someone that someone who is lost might look at and say, how can I find that peace? So he works on us to be our best selves. Hope that makes sense, just my thoughts.
MissChris: Talking about it would be easier to wipe everything and start over reminds me of a Newsong song.
I don't know what you're thinking Lord
But I know what I would do
I'd start all over on Mars
Create a world that is far away
From all the ungratefulness
If I were the God that You are
I would be tempted to walk away
Wash my hands of this crazy mess
Make a world that's dear to Your heart
I'd start all over on Mars
I don't know what you're thinking Lord
But I know what I would do
I'd start all over on Mars
Create a world that is far away
From all the ungratefulness
If I were the God that You are
I would be tempted to walk away
Wash my hands of this crazy mess
Make a world that's dear to Your heart
I'd start all over on Mars
Great post, RickyZ .
I find it interesting thinking about how much we will automatically "know" when we get to heaven, including a Universal Language. One of the most enjoyable parts of life to me is learning about subjects I'm interested in. For me, heaven is knowing I have unlimited time in a perfect setting in which I can always LEARN and ask God all the questions I've ever had. I personally believe party of why God polishes our character is to prepare our minds for an eternity of being able to take things in.
For instance, as I've written about before, I was found in a cardboard box in the street. When I get to heaven, I've always told God I would like to see that box. In fact, it was my first "house" and could very well be my eternal one for all I care. I mean, I'd be in HEAVEN. I don't need anything else, even though Jesus said He would prepare a room for us.
I have told God many times that all I want to do in heaven is LEARN from Him. One of my favorite animals is the shark, especially hammerheads and great whites. "God, what made you think of using cartilage instead of bone for their skeletons?" (Yes, I realize one reason is because it's lighter but I always wonder "how" God designed things like cartilage and bone in the first place.) "God, what made you think of designing multiple rows of teeth? And how did you come up with the idea of a swim bladder?" I have questions like this about everything in life. To me, heaven would be spending an eternity learning about EVERYTHING. Or do you think we'll automatically know? For me, that would spoil some of the fun, but of course, God knows best and who am I to argue with His method once we get there.
I have always been interested in arts and crafts. What would it be like spending an eternity learning from people who have performed, perfected, and are still learning their crafts for eons of time before me? Think of how amazing that would be!!!
.I find it interesting thinking about how much we will automatically "know" when we get to heaven, including a Universal Language. One of the most enjoyable parts of life to me is learning about subjects I'm interested in. For me, heaven is knowing I have unlimited time in a perfect setting in which I can always LEARN and ask God all the questions I've ever had. I personally believe party of why God polishes our character is to prepare our minds for an eternity of being able to take things in.
For instance, as I've written about before, I was found in a cardboard box in the street. When I get to heaven, I've always told God I would like to see that box. In fact, it was my first "house" and could very well be my eternal one for all I care. I mean, I'd be in HEAVEN. I don't need anything else, even though Jesus said He would prepare a room for us.
I have told God many times that all I want to do in heaven is LEARN from Him. One of my favorite animals is the shark, especially hammerheads and great whites. "God, what made you think of using cartilage instead of bone for their skeletons?" (Yes, I realize one reason is because it's lighter but I always wonder "how" God designed things like cartilage and bone in the first place.) "God, what made you think of designing multiple rows of teeth? And how did you come up with the idea of a swim bladder?" I have questions like this about everything in life. To me, heaven would be spending an eternity learning about EVERYTHING. Or do you think we'll automatically know? For me, that would spoil some of the fun, but of course, God knows best and who am I to argue with His method once we get there.
I have always been interested in arts and crafts. What would it be like spending an eternity learning from people who have performed, perfected, and are still learning their crafts for eons of time before me? Think of how amazing that would be!!!