How heavenly-minded should a Christian be? Is it possible to be “so heavenly-minded that you’re no earthly good”? The answer depends on how you interpret “heavenly-minded”.

If you interpret “heavenly-minded” from a non-biblical perspective, i.e. not based on what the Bible says, then it is possible you would accomplish little earthly good. With a non-biblical perspective, you might see Heaven as nothing more than an escape from life’s problems. Your focus would be on yourself, not on discovering and fulfilling God’s purpose for your life.

On the other hand, having a biblical view of “heavenly-minded” can result in you being of much earthly good. In fact, the New Testament makes a strong statement that the more “heavenly-minded” you are, the more earthly good you will accomplish.

Our highest example of a “heavenly-minded” person is Jesus Christ. The New Testament also testifies to the effective ministries of “heavenly-minded” Christ-followers such as the apostle Paul, as well as Old Testament saints commended by God for their faith (Hebrews 11).

As Christians, we are to run our earthly “race” with our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:1-2). We are to be “heavenly-minded” as He was.

How was Christ “heavenly-minded”? His life was governed by love for God and a desire to please Him. Christ loved and obeyed God’s Word. He had a passion for prayer and sought to live in continuous communion with God His Father. He was careful to align His thoughts, words, and actions with what He heard from His Father.

Christ knew His purpose and was committed to fulfilling it. During His three years of earthly ministry, He ministered the love and compassion of God to countless people. Then He humbled Himself to die on the cross for our sins…the greatest rescue mission in history.

Hebrews 12:2 records that “for the joy set before Him, [Christ] endured the cross.” What was “the joy set before Him”? Christ knew that His sacrifice would purchase forgiveness for the human race and open the door to a personal relationship with God. This would bring great joy to those who accepted His sacrifice, to God the Father, and to Christ Himself.

In addition, Christ knew that He had come from Heaven and would soon return there. He knew that His Father would richly reward His obedience.

Christ our Example is calling us to follow Him. He is saying, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). He promises us in John 14:1-6 that if we believe and follow Him, we too will receive a reward in Heaven.

John 14:1-6
“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also…I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

How heavenly-minded should a Christian be? We should follow in Jesus’ footsteps. Then we will be able to accomplish much earthly good. And we will receive a reward in Heaven for our obedience.

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