“I’m going to heaven where everyone is perfect, so how I live here won’t affect me there” -that is what some people think and say.  It is their belief that godly living here doesn’t
affect their future state in heaven.  They say, “I’m going to heaven and that’s all that matters,” but they are wrong! That’s not all that matters.  Contrary to what they believe, there are different degrees or grades of glory in eternity.  And that ought to impact our lives here and now.

All true Christians will be in heaven, and will experience the absence of evil, and be exposed to nothing but good.  All imperfections will be removed.  So there are many things common to all believers. Yet there are certain distinctions, some peculiarities that make us different.While the quality of our blessings may be the same, the quantity can be very different.  Two vessels may both be full and both be filled with the same contents, and yet  be very different in size.  Even so, in heaven some will have a greater capacity for joy, etc. than others.

There will be different degrees of glory (Dan.12:3; Matt.5:12; 10:41-42; Luke 19:12).  Just as there are differences of magnitude between the stars, there is a difference in the saints  in glory (I Cor.15:14).  The Bible tells us that there are different degrees of punishment in hell (Luke 12:47; Rom.2:6-16), so why should we  be surprised that there will be differences among those in heaven.  I Cor.3:15 tells us that some who are saved will nevertheless “suffer loss.”  2 John 8 encourages us to live so as to “receive a full reward.” There must be differences or those verses would make no sense.

Still some wonder, if all are perfect how can there be different degrees?  The answer is simply – they are all perfect, but all have not the same capacity.  Two diamonds may be of the same purity and brilliance, and yet be of different sizes and value.  Even so, all in heaven will be saved, yet differ in rank, state, and services.  That fact should change the way we live. It should cause us to invest our lives in things that will make a difference in eternity.

John Angell James wrote:  “Those who receive the most from him, will render most to him.  Higher degrees of glory, while, as regards ourselves, they will enlarge our capacity for happiness, will, as regards him, prepare us in a more eminent manner to enjoy, serve, and honor him.  For his sake then, as well as your own, grow in grace, that you many rise in glory.”

It just stands to reason that, if we truly believe that what we do on earth will have an effect on eternity our attitude and actions will be affected.  Our beliefs affect our behavior. If you believe what you do here won’t matter in heaven you will do little or nothing of eternal value. If you believe it makes a difference you will be different.  Sadly some poor deluded people are wasting their lives because they believe their conduct here and now will have no affect on them there and then – in their eternal state.  What they need to know is this — the grade of glory to which we shall rise in heaven is determined by what we do for the glory of God here on earth. So then, what are you doing with your life? Think about it!

Growing up in the Ozarks I know a lot about rough roads. I’ve bounced along many miles of dirt and gravel roads, and it wasn’t comfortable. However, today I want to talk to you about rough roads of a different kind.

Hundreds of years ago Moses pronounced this blessing upon Asher–“Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.”(Deut. 33:25). Asher had been allotted a portion of the land that was filled with hills and valleys—rough and rugged terrain. But, for us the application goes beyond a specific geographical location. It reminds us that there are many rough roads of various sorts in life. This is especially true if we are on the right road. Sometimes there are easier routes, but they do not lead us to our divinely ordained purpose.

Sadly most people take the “easy” route rather than the essential route. They think it is the most pleasant path, but that’s not really true.It is a road that leads to ruin and regret rather than reward.They choose a path to be trod with velvet slippers, a flower-strewn pathway, but there is no joy in their journey, nor sense of satisfaction at the end of their road. Their choice is that of a child rather than a champion.

The Christian pilgrim’s path is different. He isn’t wondering about his purpose nor wandering about aimlessly. He is a dedicated disciple and he has a goal in view. Directed by the map of God’s Word, he travels a road appointed by the Lord. Although it is a rough road it is the right road and he expects it to be difficult. Like the disciples on the storm-tossed sea, he is in the storm and will of God at the same time. He knows doing the will of God will expose him to problems rather than exempt him from them. And expecting problems is the first step in preparing for them. Wishing they didn’t exist won’t make them go away. So, the wise man readies himself for the reality of rough roads.

But how do we get ready? The answer is found in the command to live by faith. We aren’t just invited to trust God, we are commanded to do so. We either live by faith or live in sin. We triumph over our trials only by trusting in God. Just as Asher could cling to this glorious truth we can claim the precious promises of God which prepares us to prevail. They assure us that God will provide help for hard places; strength for all seasons— whether it be the day of difficulty, doubt, danger, or death. There is not a single day when we are without help from God.Armed with faith in God’s promises we are equipped to endure!

We don’t always know exactly what to prepare for. The nature of our problems vary– it’s one thing today and another thing tomorrow, but regardless of the specifics the solution is the same. We must acquaint ourselves with the Word of God and believe He will keep His promises. His precious promises are numerous and we can always find at least one for anything we will ever encounter.

For Asher the promise was, “Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be”. Isn’t that a marvelous thought? It is a word of assurance for a man anticipating adversity. He knows very well that the road is rough and rugged. He knows he will need divine aid and that’s exactly what he is promised. This is not only a prophecy of rough roads, it is a promise of reliable resources that bring relief! When he feels trapped in the cold shadow of some dark valley, that feels like a grave, he can cheer himself by living in the sunlight of God’s exceeding and great promise”(2 Peter 1:4).

Here’s something else we need to remember–Asher’s allotment was by divine appointment rather than accident. There are no accidents with God. Long before Asher ever received his portion of the land, God knew exactly what it would be like. The same is true of you. Everyone’s circumstances are different. In Asher’s day the land was divided up among the tribes and it was not all the same. In His great wisdom God gives to each that which they would have chosen for themselves were they as smart as God. Don’t curse your circumstances. Consider them to be what they are–divine appointments, although they are often rough roads. Get ready for them by searching out the sure promises related to  your situation.

If the road is rough to the point that shoes of iron and brass are required, so shall it be! God always provides what He promises. So as we journey down the rough road of life let it be with this blessed assurance– in Christ we have everything we need for anything that might come our way. Remember–“as thy days”, regardless of how difficult,”so shall thy strength be”. Think about it!