Where Are You Going?

DNA tests. Who knew that a small amount of saliva in a plastic tube would unlock an entire genealogical history to explore? My wife and I were each gifted one of these scientific marvels a few years ago and diligently sent our own little tubes in and patiently awaited the results.We soon got back our individual reports and mine confirmed what I had been told my entire life: I was mostly Northern European. What I did discover, however, was that I was 2% Swedish! IKEA now takes on another whole level of importance.

DNA tests are fun because they can be helpful in tracking one’s genealogical roots. Where did I come from? Who am I related to? Are there any famous heroes in my family tree? Are there any famous “stinkers” in there as well?

What these tests do not do, however, is help us determine where we are going. We should not rely on what our genealogy is or what our past relatives have done to determine our current or future path. Speaking of future…where do you plan on spending eternity? Where will you be the moment you leave the life on this earth behind?

“Oh, my parents took me to church all the time when I was a kid and they’re Christians, so I guess I’m covered.”

“I go to church regularly. I sing in the choir. I even help support the church with my hard-earned cash. I’m sure God sees all I do for Him and is keeping a good record of it. He’ll let me in.”

Allow me to gently let you in on a little secret…

THAT’S NOT THE WAY IT WORKS!!!

Going to church and doing “churchy” things and “doing good works” may help you to feel good but attendance within the walls of a building have no effect on your salvation and does not, in any way, determine where you go after you die. Just because we may have Christian parents does not mean that we are. That decision has to be made by the individual. We don’t enter heaven by default.

Let’s take a moment and read what King David wrote in Psalm 103:17-18 (ESV), “But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to to do his commandments.”

A relationship with God is not hereditary. Experiencing the steadfast love of the Lord is not dropped on us unexpectedly nor is it handed down to us through our family tree. It is given to those who fear Him, to anyone who will bow their knee and their heart to Him. It may be interesting to explore your genealogy and see where you come from, but the more pressing issue is where are you going? What will be your final destination?

We can’t expect to go knocking on heaven’s gate, demanding we be let in after we die. If you take a look at Revelation 3:20 you will see that Jesus is, figuratively, standing at the door of your heart, knocking. He isn’t demanding entrance but is waiting for an invitation. That invitation can only come from you. If you do allow Him in, you won’t have to go seeking permission to enter heaven. You will be ushered in as family!

So…where are YOU going?