I don't WANT a mansion...

Luxembourg mansion (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

So, I know that some people need material promises in order to look forward to eternity in Heaven. I don't UNDERSTAND that need, but I know it exists because everywhere I turn there is a sermon about the mansions we will each be given and the glorified bodies that will get to inhabit them. For those looking for the Biblical references:

John 14:2 (KJV)

 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

2 Corinthians 5:1

For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.

 But here's the thing: I don't want a mansion. I am not dedicating my life, and all that it encompasses, to the potential material gain that comes with Christ. If I were to do so, then I would be serving Him with my own interests in mind, wouldn't I? And that would make my life on earth ME-centered...anyone see why that might be a problem? 

I have seen so many pastors who, attempt to "sell" our faith to non-believers by promising prosperity in the secular sense of the term. "Commit to Jesus, and He will give you everything you desire," they say. "When you die, you will spend an eternity in Heaven with your loved ones in glorified bodies, each with your own mansion," they proclaim. The good news: you tell people they're going to have everything they want, perfect bodies, and a big house to call their own, they will more than likely "sign up" that very day. The bad news: you will have a church full of people who believe that the reason to serve God is so that He can "pay" us for our actions. 

WRONG!!!!!!!!

A Christ-like love can NEVER be self-centered.

Jesus was brutalized, ridiculed, and violently murdered for the very people that spit in his Father's eye. He died for sinners - and there is not a sin-free human, other than Christ, that has EVER walked the Earth - so that we might not face the eternal flames of Hell. He CHOSE to accept His place as a living sacrifice...and there is NOTHING self-centered about that. 

Our service for the King should not be based on what we think we are going to get out of it. Our desire to live to serve Him comes from the journey of getting to know Him and growing to love Him. Loving Him, and in completely humble gratitude, we long to serve Him. And we serve Him by serving those around us with His love and an honest approach to a faith-based life. 

You know, I've said that I don't want my mansion, but I haven't yet explained why.

There are two reasons, really. 

First, I don't like large rambling homes full of "stuff" but devoid of community and fellowship. Even in this life, I would turn down a large home if it meant I had to wander its halls alone. I love having our family all piled together in a small apartment because, at any given moment, I can share life with someone. God has developed this desire in my heart since I moved away from home over a decade ago. I was fortunate to grow up in a great neighborhood with parents who provided every physical need. But we had a huge house. I spent most of my time isolated, thinking dire, lonely thoughts, and wishing I had a sister or a brother to talk to. When Randy and I got married and chose our first home, I think other people would have thought it too small for a growing family. But I loved that house. It was cozy, in the best sense of the word. Yep, I think I'm just a "small house with lots of people" kind of gal.

 

Ethiopia: Innocent Prayers of a Young Child (Photo credit: babasteve)

Second, the highlight of Heaven, for me, is the opportunity to worship at the feet of the Father with all of my brothers and sisters in Christ. I don't need a mansion for that. I don't even need a prayer mat. I DO need knees, so the "glorified bodies" bit makes sense there. But I don't want to spend a minute away from the God who gave it all for someone who was as lost and hard-hearted as me. And a mansion...well, that just takes me away from the throne room and the God who deserves every millisecond of my eternity in worship. 

Jesus on the wall of the senior Home (Photo credit: freestone)

If you call yourself a Believer, a Follower, A Christian...make sure you understand WHY you believe, WHY you follow, and WHY you claim His name over your life. Sometime it's painful to realize that you're only in it for what you'll eventually get out of it. But being honest with yourself is the first step in regaining the Christ-centered mindset. The second step? Pray that He will reveal His purpose for your life and His plan for your future. Pray that you will come to know Him more deeply, grow to love Him more passionately, and live to serve Him simply for the joy that it brings to His heart. He can and will get you back on track. Just ask.