Let’s Talk Religion: Have I done enough to make it?
As I have advanced into the latter part of my 30s, I have thought more and more about my own mortality. I assume for all Christians, their ultimate goal is to make it into the “pearly gates” of heaven.
When I sit back and think about my life, I routinely think to myself, Have I lived a good enough life to make it into heaven? I know we are all familiar with John 3:16 which states “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16 is one of the most widely quoted verses from the Bible. It has been called by many the most famous Bible verse. It has also been called “the Gospel in a nutshell,” due to it being considered a summary of the central theme of traditional Christianity. It was the quote that many of us were taught as children to give us a basic understating of our faith.
Yes, I am a strong believer in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, but I think just simply believing is not enough. I firmly believe that you have to mimic your faith with your works, which is why I try to live my life in the most positive way by trying to live my life as Godly as possible.
Whenever I have an opportunity to do a good deed that I feel Jesus would have done, I jump at the chance. Whether it’s helping someone in need, giving an encouraging word or advice, or simply giving a smile or hug, doing what you can for someone else is what I believe He would want us to do.
Even with that mode of thinking, is that enough to get into heaven? I cringe at the thought of the alternative. Spending an eternity in hell is not how I would like to spend the afterlife.
I wrote a column earlier this year that referenced my desire to connect with God by making sure I give Him his proper time through prayer. As I stated in that article, I sometimes fall off from prayer when things are going good in my life or there is no personal crisis for which I seek guidance. I think that is another aspect of my spiritual journey that will help me get to my desired destination.
I don’t think there is a set guideline in how to make it to heaven. I think there is a different path for everyone and navigating that path is what really defines who we are. My hope is that I have done enough in the eyes of the Lord to warrant acceptance into the pearly gates when my time comes. In the meantime, I will continue to try and be a better person than I was the day before.
