Heaven or Hell

   “The eye has not seen, and the ear has not heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man, what things God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Cor 2: 9)

   “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels;” (Matt 25: 41)

   It’s quite simple.  There are only two choices; heaven or hell.  It is an all or nothing proposition.  We will either spend eternity in the glory, beauty and peace of heaven or the torture of hell.  We can’t have it both ways.

   It is entirely up to us which we choose.  God will not condemn us to hell, we will condemn ourselves by failing to follow His laws and His will in our life.  No one ever said Christianity and obtaining heaven would be easy.  It requires faith, strength and determination to resist Satan and his temptations.  If we try to do it on our own we will fail.  Only through the grace of God can we reach heaven.

   I have made my choice and that is to follow God.  In my life I’ve seen many things, some incredibly wonderful, others quite horrible.  I’ve had the ups and downs that we all experience in life.  What I have learned over the years is that I must have God in my life.  Without Him there is no purpose.  Money, fame and status are of no value in the grave.  Only the good or evil I’ve done in my life matter when I stand before the Lord.

   St. Catherine of Siena was a mystic who had many conversations with God.  In one of those she was told that in heaven friendships and marriages that were lived in and with Jesus will be saved and will be a love that is truly forever.  What incredible joy, to be reunited with a loved one and for that love to continue throughout eternity.  In our greatest hopes we can’t imagine or understand all He has waiting for us if we choose Him in our life.

   We will make many decisions in life.  None are as important as the decision to follow or reject God.  This is the only choice that really matters in the long run.  In our life we may receive many worldly goods and earthly glory, but none goes with us in the afterlife.  Heaven or hell; the choice is ours.

Lord we come to You for guidance.

Help us choose wisely.

This world offers many false glories.

May we reject them and follow only You.

Amen