My idea of paradise is probably similar to yours. Most likely there are missing the negatives and burdens of this world we live in. No financial problems, no people problems, kids and grandchildren doing what is right, and of course the world at peace. Some of these won't take place and yet we need to have a place in our heart and head where there is paradise. A place where we can go that takes us out of the negative equation of life. Paradise for most is a concept where escape is the primary motive in day to day living. Close the eyes and visualize a beach in a warm climate, gentle breeze, drink in hand and a favorite person (or alone) in the lounge next to us. It's good for a temporary fix but won't last for more than the week or two we can afford to pay for. People and organizations continually try to take paradise away from us; spoiling our day and our escape. In the end our paradise is threatened and peace is fleeting. Who gave the world the power to take away my paradise? What can I do about it?
Paradise is a salted carmel truffle Blizzard at Dairy Queen. I had one the other day and it was wonderful! Then for dinner I barbequed T-bone steaks that were out of this world. Paradise can be the small things in life or the destination our faith takes us. Paradise in this world ends when the last spoonful of Blizzard or last piece of steak is gone. Then we ask ourselves what else could there be that would bring paradise to us. Great coffee in the morning? Yes! Wonderful drive in the country? Yes! Heart attack? No! So much for the Blizzard and the T-bone. Not to mention other items like caffeine coffee, favorite treats and more. Reality can take over and dispose of paradise here on earth in a heart beat (pun intended). But, my treasure (paradise) isn't here on earth; it's in Heaven with Jesus. Yearning for paradise is much of what I do all the time. I long to go home to be with Jesus but know that this won't happen until he brings it about. Paradise is going to be wonderful and it can and will wait.
What about Christian paradise while we are here on earth? Does such a thing exist? Yes, it does. That being said, we think, say and do things that rob us of that heaven on earth. If we don't do this to ourselves then others around us (even Christians) do this to us. April 15th is tax day. Joy or pain in the butt? Definitely not an area where I would seek happy campers to reaffirm my heaven on earth. Garage sales with my wife? Yep, heaven on earth unless I buy something she is opposed to. Paradise here on earth is conditional. In the blink of an eye paradise can be lost and our peace gone. Paradise in Heaven is another story. There will be no pain, no suffering, no tears and definitely no one to steal my paradise! Why then do we choose to engage paradise here on earth when it often leads to separation from the love of God? Why do we think that paradise needs to be the result of sin? Sex, drugs, alcohol, food, and pornography all bring paradise to some and even to some Christians. At least the profess to be Christian. I know for a fact that when I engaged in these activities people looked at me and said that I was an imposter and not a Christian. Getting back on the straight and narrow meant giving my heart, soul, and mind back to Jesus and it's there that paradise, true paradise, has it's center.
When we have a Christian mindset brought about by a commitment to Jesus there are diametrically opposed thoughts. This mindset isn't a crutch. This mindset isn't understandable to the non-christian. At the same time it's that mindset that draws us to other Christians. Within the body of Christ there should be paradise that will continue on through eternity. Love being the connecting and leading method of such paradise. It's humbling to be attended to by the body of Christ. Yet this is what gives us the model of giving of ourselves to that same body of Christ. When we do so we are inclined to give to those around us in our neighborhood and at our place of work. Living in paradise is doable. Living in paradise is something we should long for and see in the lives of other believers. The Christian body is all about being beggars meeting together to work together receiving and giving the grace of God that we have received. Paradise is when someone gives their life to Jesus. Not only the angels of heaven rejoice but so should the body of Christ. What's your paradise for the day?
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