My Answer: You won’t do your day job in heaven
Q: I used to think heaven was a place of rest, and I’ve always looked forward to going there. But recently I heard someone say that God has work for us to do in heaven. I’m having a hard time with this because I’m tired of working.
— M.F.
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A: The Bible doesn’t answer all our questions about heaven, but it certainly assures us that heaven will be a place of perfect peace and rest. The Bible says, “They will rest from their labor” (Revelation 14:13).
At the same time, the Bible also says that God will have work for us in heaven — and we ought to be glad for this. After all, if all we did in heaven was sit around with nothing to do, we’d get very bored. The Bible says, “His servants will serve him” (Revelation 22:3).
But here is the amazing thing: In heaven, we’ll never grow weary or tired like we do here. When Adam and Eve rebelled against God, from that moment on work became a burden for the whole human race (see Genesis 3:17-19).
But in heaven, that curse will be lifted, and work will no longer be a burden. Instead, it will be a joy. The Bible doesn’t tell us exactly what it will be, but we’ll be serving God — which is the highest honor imaginable.
Is heaven your destiny? Are you certain that when you die you’ll be with God forever? You can be, by putting your faith and trust in Christ for your eternal salvation. If you’ve never done so, ask him to come into your life today. Jesus said, “I am going there to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2).
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Q: My best friend was killed in a tragic motorcycle accident a few weeks ago, and it’s really hit me hard. I’ve never given any thought to death, but now I can’t avoid it. Frankly, I’m scared, because I know I’m not ready to die. How can I be ready?
— M.H.
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A: One of the Bible’s greatest truths (although it’s one that’s hard for us to accept sometimes) is that God is able to bring good out of even the most senseless tragedy. I pray this may be the case for you.
What do I mean? Simply this. All your life, you’ve lived for yourself, never thinking about God or doing anything to prepare for the inevitable moment when you will die and meet God. And it’s very likely you would have continued this way the rest of your life, if it hadn’t been for your friend’s death.
Now this tragedy has made you stop and think about your own need for God — and if your friend’s tragic death now causes you to turn to Christ, good will have come from it.
Only one thing will keep us out of heaven, and that is our sin. The problem, however, is that we can’t cleanse ourselves of sin; it simply isn’t possible. But Christ came into the world to do for us what we could never do for ourselves. He came to forgive us, cleanse us and open heaven’s door for us through his death and resurrection for us.
Don’t cling to your sins any longer, but turn to Jesus Christ and open your heart and life to him today. God’s promise is for you: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Assn., 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM; or visit https://www.billygraham.org.