One day at a time . . . there’s a lot of merit in approaching life that way. When it comes to “keep on keepin’ on”, often you just need to focus on navigating what’s in front you. But, if you want to get somewhere, you also need to look up every so often and refocus on the destination . . . remind yourself of where you’re headed . . . make sure that where you’re stepping is consistent with where you’re going. So, while there’s benefit in a “one day at a time” approach . . . I’m thinking you also need a “one day at the end of time” mindset.

As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the Man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the Man of heaven. I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed . . .   (1Corinthians 15:48-51 ESV)

This morning, I’ve been reading Paul’s wonderful treatise on the implications of resurrection. “If the dead are not raised,” he writes, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die” (15:32b) . . . if the end of our time, is the end of our time, then go for it! . . . but if the end of our time, is day one of the rest of our time . . . mmmm . . . different implications.

If there is coming a time of resurrection, as Paul says there is, . . . a time when what is raised is imperishable . . . and raised in glory . . . and raised in power . . . raised a spiritual body (15:42-45) . . . if that’s what awaits me, . . . then what does it mean for how I do life now?

If I am no longer “of this earth” . . . but am among those “who are of heaven” . . . if my final destination is beyond time and space and the third planet from the sun . . . then I’d do well to look up every so often . . . catch a glimpse of the finish line . . . and, as needed, reset my internal GPS.

If I am to bear the image of the Man of heaven . . . then to avail myself of the grace and power to start putting on that image now, as I do one day at a time, seems to be pretty good preparation for that one day at the end of time.

If I really will be inheriting the kingdom of God . . . probably not a bad idea to check out it’s “Home Page” and become familiar with the sights, sounds, and experiences . .. if it will radiate the glory of God’s holiness, then to start acclimating to holiness is good preparation.

If it’s true that “we shall all be changed” . . . then getting ready now seems to make some sense.

There’s something about considering that “one day at the end of time” which enables us to do “one day at a time.”

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.   (Matthew 6:33-34 ESV)

Believer, look up! We shall bear the image of the Man of heaven . . . we shall all be changed . . . one day!

By His grace . . . for His glory . . . Amen!