Image provided by @jeremyyappy.

As part of the 15th Anniversary celebration for Natetheworld.com, I am hosting a 24-hour writing challenge. Starting in January 2024, readers began submitting essay prompts. My goal is to tackle as many of these prompts as possible in a 24-hour period.

According to the Pew Research Center, “39% of Americans believe the end is near.” This line of thinking is not surprising in a country where 67% of our fellow citizens identify as Christian, but it made me explore my own thoughts on the subject of living through the end times.

In the song, No Earthly Good, Johnny Cash sings,

If you're holding heaven, then spread it around

There's hungry hands reaching up here from the ground

Move over and share the high ground where you stood

So heavenly minded, you're no earthly good

I think about the line, “So heavenly minded, you’re no earthly good” a lot. When in the presence of those who claim to be followers of Jesus, I think of this line. When volunteering, advocating, protesting, or voting, I think of this line. When I see who often opposes the work of building housing for the homeless, who isn’t caring for immigrants, or who is missing from the frontlines of work that lifts the many, I think of this line.

Now, I fully understand that those of faith believe we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven with good works alone. The salvation found in a belief that Jesus Christ died for your sins is also a major part of the equation. But in my reading of scripture, those of faith are called upon to do more.

I believe they are called upon to create Heaven on Earth. “If you’re holding heaven, then spread it around. There’s hungry hands reaching up from the ground.” To me, creating Heaven on Earth means everyone has everything they need to live prosperous lives. They have clothes on their backs, a roof overhead, food in their bellies, and ample opportunity to succeed in this life without the barriers society often places in front of those pulling themselves up from life’s hardships. To me, that is Heaven on Earth.

By excusing themselves from these battles, people of faith are missing profound opportunities to show their faith in action. You could look at this world and believe it is so sinful that it isn’t worth saving. You could spend hours on your knees praying for God’s return. In those hours spent so heavenly minded, you miss an opportunity to do the last thing Jesus asked you to do.

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Christians, quit spending time worrying about how it will end. Quit wishing it would come sooner rather than later. Instead, I implore you to join us in the earthly struggle of making our world its own version of Heaven. It will do more to sway the hearts and minds of people than stories of hell, fire, and brimstone ever could.

Be good to each other,

Nathan