We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; (Romans 15:1 – 3a)

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.  (Philippians 2:3)

In the quiet of the morning, in the peace of bird songs and silence, we can hear God’s voice simply.  Sometimes the riotous voice of twenty first century life surrounds us with its clamoring desire to be heard and noticed.  It wants constant attention.  Even Jesus went away at times to talk to God.  He knew the reality of these boisterous and needy voices.

Everyone we meet has such incredible needs.  Every. Single. Person. When you think about it, most of those needs have not been met, ever.  People either don’t pray or don’t know how to pray or don’t know that God is even listening or answering prayer.  Some are not ready to hear the answer.

This situation in our world is the result of so much selfishness.  Sure, some people are trying to live unselfish lives.  They are generous with both their time and money.  They are doing their best.  However, imagine a world where each citizen is living the Scriptures above.  Each one is esteeming others greater than him/herself.  Each one is listening to God’s voice as to how he or she can please others, that is, every and every person he/she comes into contact with.

That is how heaven functions.  People think of others first.  People esteem others greater than themselves.  They are like Jesus, not pleasing themselves, but searching how to please those that they are with.  That is heaven.  In heaven, needs are met.  Everything and everyone works together.  We have an expression on earth: “as a well-oiled machine.”  Imagine such an environment where every single person is thinking of others.  Every single person is putting others first.  Everyone and everything would work “as a well-oiled machine.”

We can have heaven on earth.  The kingdom of heaven is not somewhere outside of us in a far off place.  The kingdom of heaven is within.  We can make it happen in our little circles of life, the ripples of which will spread outward in all directions.  Sometimes, we may have to take time in the morning to fill ourselves with God in the quiet of the day, before the voices begin to clamor for our attention.  We may have to go to a quiet place to find that inner peace for ourselves so that we can give it to others.  We can create heaven on earth.  It starts with the peace that we have in our souls because we know God.

For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her life a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. (Isaiah 66:12a)