Following the Lord: Wanting Heaven versus truly loving Jesus

It's easy to want to follow the Lord because a true believer is promised Heaven, versus the alternative horror of hell for those who reject Christ's salvation. But I don't want to follow the Lord just because I want to get into Heaven; I seek to follow Jesus because I truly love Him. Don't get me wrong, I want Heaven, and I know it will be wonderful. But instead of following the Lord JUST to get into Heaven, shouldn't we also follow Him because we love Him as our Savior and for what He did for us on the cross?

How do we ensure that our focus as Christians is properly on the latter and not just the former?

Lately I've been questioning my faith, whether it's strong enough. But the truth is that even if I wasn't going to heaven, I'd still love God and tell everyone how wonderful He is. He's been so good to me. He's given me miracles. He's provided for me. He's been so patient with me. He's a good, good Father. God is good, and thankfully He's the one it's all about, not me. I'm still struggling with my depression, but that's what it all boils down to.

the gospel imparts the knowledge of Jesus Christ and creates the right heart I can’t wait to get home but the reason is thats where Jesus is and that’s where he’s made a home for us and is waiting to welcome us home

it’s going to be quite a moment to look upon him in full and be with him in our eternal homeland .

Loved the post again and agree

I don't think you can make loving the Lord something separate, it all comes together.

How do YOU think we eusure that our focus as Christians is properly on Jesus?

I know you're asking Kris, but for me I think I just have to check myself once in a while and make sure I'm really praising God first and foremost because that's what I was made for. "If the stars were made to praise Him, so will I."

I've often pondered this thought when I was younger as I refer to it as a selfish motive.
As I got older the thought of going to heaven became secondary.
I see other people struggling and being deceived. Hearts broke, little chance of hope. I want to share what jesus has done for me. I ask the Lord for that boldness each day.
That has become my focus over all.
It amazes me how faithful he is to this little brat of his. How simple it is to just trust in him.
Oh jesus and I have had our wrestling matches, and I've received many up and comings and still do.
But the best thing about it all is that he has made himself real very real to me.
I catch myself talking out loud to him. Asking his opinion, his guidance, or just sharing the day with him.
I find myself missing his company sometimes as I get preoccupied with thoughts or tasks even though he's right there with me..
I guess the best way to describe it is a real living relationship not out of a book but a everyday thing.
That to me is so great, so wonderful, he gets me.😉😉
That's what I want most of all to share with anyone that listens and has become my focus.
Heaven??? Oh how wonderful it is going to be but you can walk right now in the kingdom of peace and righteousness and be loved, understood, and accepted, by your maker, the one who created you right where you are.
I love him because he first loved me. He calls me his own, he's alive and well praise God.