The other day I heard a young man who was a new Christian, talking about Jesus and the Bible. He was joyful and excited. In fact, he was so excited about the things of God that the other person evidently felt it was their duty to shed some reality on the conversation.
The older person looked at the young man with a very serious look and said, “When I first became a Christian I was excited like you, but later I matured. If you don’t watch yourself you may become so heavenly minded that you will be no earthly good.”
Well let me say this about that statement: Bologna!
That phrase about becoming so heavenly minded that you become no earthly good may sound good, but the reality is, it doesn’t line up with the Word of God.
We as Christians can not listen to the witty phrases and cliches of the world and treat them as though they are the Word of God. Let’s get real. As Christians we must rely on God’s true Word and nothing else.
So, with that in mind, let’s look at this statement and examine the truth. And here’s the truth. The more heavenly minded we become, the more earthly good we will be.
Actually, Satan wants us to not be heavenly minded. To be heavenly minded means that we love God and seek His will. To be heavenly minded means that we walk in the Word. To be heavenly minded means that we walk by faith instead of by what we see. When we walk in faith, that pleases God. Satan hates it when we please God.
The Bible says in Matthew 6:33. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” This verse clearly states that in order to have our earthly needs provided, we must first and foremost seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness. In other words, we must be heavenly minded.
It’s interesting that many church members want to confine their spirituality to two hours on Sunday and possibly another meeting during the week. Then the rest of the week they are earthly minded and the things of God are a side issue and rarely thought of. Listen…that should not be!
If we as Christians want to be effective here on earth, we must increase our heavenly mindedness. When we have a problem in our relationships, it’s a good time to seek God. When we have a problem in our finances, that’s a time to seek God. When we have to make a difficult decision, that’s a good time to seek God.
But a better time to seek God is to seek Him continually. Don’t wait for the problem. Be heavenly minded and stay in His Word, and you will increase your faith. Then, when problems arise, you will be better equipped to deal with them.
Now don’t take me wrong. Sometimes people are not heavenly minded, they’re just goofy. We need to be heavenly minded, but we must not become goofy. Seek God daily. Continually be in communion with God by way of prayer and worship. There is a difference between seeking God and acting like a goofball.
Over the years, I have found that most people who act real religious are doing just that – acting. So, don’t act religious, be heavenly minded. Keep focused on the things of God. So, when that excited new Christian comes along, bubbling over with joy, stand close.
Maybe some of that joy will spill over on you.
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.