In business meetings (and sometimes church meetings), ground-breaking and creative ideas are proposed; frequently, these imaginative strategies are dismissed with the blunt remark: "Let's get back to reality." This statement is designed to dampen ill-advised enthusiasm and squash hasty decision-making. The 'reality' alluded to is understood by the group as a negative set of circumstances which cannot be ignored.
In Luke 10:20, Jesus told His disciples: "... do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven." Jesus did not attempt to dampen the enthusiasm of His disciples, nor did He accuse them of failing in ministry. In fact, the disciples had a successful ministry in which demons were expelled (see v.17-19). In no way did Jesus discourage their efforts or accuse them of exaggerating the facts. Jesus didn't deny the spiritual authority wielded by His followers; after all, He gave them this authority (v.19).
But, Jesus told them to get back to the best reality. He challenged them to focus on the best rather than the good. "Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven."
The disciples achieved 'results' as they labored. Evil spirits submitted to them. Yet, Jesus informed them that there is a better reality than effective ministry or exercising authority over demons. With regard to our own mountain-top spiritual experiences, such experiences are not the primary goal or focus of our Christian existence. The 'charismatic gifts', impressive fundraising efforts for new church facilities, becoming well-known in venues of ministry, acquiring a hard-won record of dazzling educational or spiritual achievements---all these are second-best as far as Jesus is concerned.
Working present spiritual wonders is secondary in comparison with future heavenly life. The temporary benefits experienced here and now pale in relation to the everlasting benefits to come.
Of course, we Christians are to give ourselves each day to the Will of God in thankful devotion to Jesus Christ. But, when we find ourselves too giddy about the things of this life, when our enthusiasm is confined to the limits of present-day projects and ministry, then we need to examine our priorities and get back to rejoicing about the best reality: "Our names are written in heaven."
In Luke 10:20, Jesus told His disciples: "... do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven." Jesus did not attempt to dampen the enthusiasm of His disciples, nor did He accuse them of failing in ministry. In fact, the disciples had a successful ministry in which demons were expelled (see v.17-19). In no way did Jesus discourage their efforts or accuse them of exaggerating the facts. Jesus didn't deny the spiritual authority wielded by His followers; after all, He gave them this authority (v.19).
But, Jesus told them to get back to the best reality. He challenged them to focus on the best rather than the good. "Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven."
The disciples achieved 'results' as they labored. Evil spirits submitted to them. Yet, Jesus informed them that there is a better reality than effective ministry or exercising authority over demons. With regard to our own mountain-top spiritual experiences, such experiences are not the primary goal or focus of our Christian existence. The 'charismatic gifts', impressive fundraising efforts for new church facilities, becoming well-known in venues of ministry, acquiring a hard-won record of dazzling educational or spiritual achievements---all these are second-best as far as Jesus is concerned.
Working present spiritual wonders is secondary in comparison with future heavenly life. The temporary benefits experienced here and now pale in relation to the everlasting benefits to come.
Of course, we Christians are to give ourselves each day to the Will of God in thankful devotion to Jesus Christ. But, when we find ourselves too giddy about the things of this life, when our enthusiasm is confined to the limits of present-day projects and ministry, then we need to examine our priorities and get back to rejoicing about the best reality: "Our names are written in heaven."