By William Alexander
For the Salisbury Post
Recently, my 6-year-old daughter asked me if all people go to heaven. I told her that those who love and obey God can gain salvation and enter the realm of the heavenly father.
However, I thought about her question and had an epiphany. Even though heaven is God’s gift for those who have lived their lives “Christ-like,” I believe that heaven is not for everybody.
For example, if you think that happy hour is “Miller time,” as opposed to praising God, then heaven is not for you. If you don’t praise God on Earth, then heaven is not for you. In heaven, we will be singing and praising God eternally.
If you like to gossip while listening to your gospel music, then heaven is not for you. When you gossip, you are breaking two commandments. You are a murderer, killing a person’s reputation and influence, while also being a thief and stealing a person’s honor.
If you seek comfort in the arms of a spouse that is not yours, rather than seek that comfort in Christ, then heaven is not for you. He says, “Come to me, I will give you rest.” There is no greater comfort than Jesus.
If you only want people of certain status on your church committee, then heaven is not for you. God’s criteria is not based on race or class status. He dwelled among all men, and there will not be any elite groups in heaven. For all will be one in Christ Jesus.
If you are impressed with your lovely singing voice as opposed to the hymn’s message, then heaven is not for you. God wants us to sing praises unto him, whether we sound like Luther Vandross or Donald Duck. Isn’t God awesome?
If you walk up and down the streets or stand on the corner waiting to score, then heaven is not for you. Those streets are paved with gold and reserved for those who are sold on Christ, not for those who sell their souls.
If you are one who judges others, then heaven is not for you. Heaven already has a supreme justice, and it is not you.
If you love material things more than God and your fellow man, then heaven is definitely not for you. Love is the greatest commandment in heaven and Earth. Heaven is not for everybody.
Is heaven for you?
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William Alexander lives in East Spencer and is the director of the faith-based organization Hope for the Elderly and Disabled (HEAD).