God says His elect are already seated in heavenly places in Christ. (Ep 2:6) As He sees us in our future glory He tells us about it, perhaps to encourage, motivate and energize us based on our glorious destiny. (1Pe 1:4) How should God’s promises of our future state inform and influence our current behavior, now in this present life?
Stating the obvious, we should rejoice and be exceedingly thankful for the infinitely precious salvation of God. (1Pe 1:6) This is a living hope within us even now that transcends all earthly concern. (3) Never take this for granted or get used to it; the mercies of God are infinite, regardless of our circumstances. (2Co 4:17)
Perhaps not so obviously, our future state should also inform and imbue our current state with dignity and power, even in the midst of evil, suffering and abuse. (Co 3:1-2)
Consider the composure and confidence of the Master Himself, as He was being tried unlawfully by the Jews. Unarmed, bound and apparently helpless, He should have been trembling in fear at the cruelty and torture threatening Him. (Mt 10:28) Instead, when asked directly whether He were the Christ, the Son of God (Mt 26:63), knowing the truth would be used to convict Him of blasphemy, He not only confidently affirmed but fearlessly added that all would see Him seated on the right hand of God in glory and power, returning in the clouds of Heaven. (64)
Christ refused to let His present circumstances define Him, nor to be cowed by the misguided hatred of His persecutors. He stood boldly with absolute strength and power, yielding meekly to their abuse as part of His Father’s glorious plan. (Jn 10:18) He is our example, that we should follow His steps. (1Pe 2:21)
Christ is teaching us how to engage eternity to color and flavor our present life; we should live with heavenly perspective such that the reality of God’s promises shine through the energy and emotion we bring to every encounter. (Mt 5:16) Fear, uncertainty, insecurity and passivity are incongruent with who we actually are in Christ, a dishonor to the gifts and calling of God. This is a practical denial of God’s faithfulness and so dishonors Him.
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2Ti 1:7) Yet we can forfeit His gifts by allowing our temporal circumstances to define us. Supernatural grace does not function in a vacuum but flows directly from the clarity and focus of our Heavenly vision.
If we are lacking in faith and power, it is a call to come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to strengthen us in time of need. (He 4:16) So, when the fiery darts are flying, we can put on the whole armor of God that we may withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ep 6:13)