Is Planet Earth the Bullpen or the Tryout?

AP is in a small group discussing The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren and has a question: Is living according to God's purposes here on planet earth "practice" for what we will do in heaven? Great question!

Life in heaven shares some characteristics with life on earth. For example, the concept of stewardship is evident in both realms. In Luke 16, Jesus tells the story of the unjust servant. He does so to extol the virtue of living for eternity (Luke 16:9). He reinforces His appeal with this statement: “Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you?” (Luke 16:11). Life on earth and life in heaven share this characteristic - they are both realms in which men and women are entrusted with responsibilities. Luke 16:11 even declares that how well one fulfills those responsibilities on earth determines his suitability for a greater level of responsibility in heaven.

I think that calling earthly stewardship "practice" has some merit - clearly stewards are doing something on earth that is preparation for something similar they will do in heaven. But there is another notion that attaches to the term "practice" that COULD be a bit misleading. "Practice" refers to activity in which you don't keep score as you prepare for the occasions when you will. Think of the bullpen at the ballpark where that relief pitcher is warming up. This idea doesn't fit with an earthly exercise of stewardship wherein God is clearly keeping score and evaluating our effectiveness. Luke 16:11 sounds more like a "tryout" than a "practice:" Our conduct as stewards in the management of earthly resources determines our suitability to be "moved up to the majors."

I am not sure what term would best capture this nuance. Until we come up with a suitable word, you might want to hold "practice" alongside these important clarifications.

1. There are some aspects to life on earth that are echoes of life in heaven: Stewardship, work, rest, and worship are four that come to mind. Let's call these "shared aspects."
2. There are other aspects to life on earth that will not be encountered in heaven: Marriage, disciple-making, and fighting the old sin nature are three. Let's call these "unique aspects."
3. Some aspects to life on earth will be experienced in heaven but in a profoundly altered way. For example, on earth "spiritual growth" centers on character transformation. This process will be completed when we see Jesus face to face. But there will still be room for growth of another kind, growth in knowledge and understanding. Surely in heaven we will know God truly, but not exhaustively. Perhaps in eternity we will continue to grow as we learn more about our God with each passing aeon. Let's call these "redirected aspects."
4. All shared aspects like stewardship, work, rest, and worship will be experienced in heaven in a greater way. Everything of life in heaven that echoes life in the new earth will be deeper, richer, and more glorious. By this reckoning, the earthly may seem to be little more than a warmup for the real deal that is eternity.
5. Our experience of life in heaven will reflect the ways in which we have lived for His pleasure in all aspects (shared, unique, and redirected) of our lives on planet earth. On this count, how we have lived our lives on planet earth will matter more than anything!

Yes, life on earth is practice for eternity. But it is also the proof of where you belong. It is both bullpen and tryout.

Comments

[Randy]

Austin,
This is note for some readers who may be considering future careers for their children. Yes, there are many undergraduate degrees that are worth less today than ever before, and will continue to be so as the economy weakens. Furthermore, many students are led to believe that any college degree somehow leads to a rewarding career. Not true, nor has it ever been in my lifetime. However, there are still many opportunities for those who are relatively intelligent and willing to work. Practically all sciences, math, engineering, nursing, business, education, and of course technical trades schools have a lot to offer. As far as liberal arts, with exception of maybe music, I would steer clear unless using it as a foundation for graduate work. As a home school dad, I have researched this extensively and would be glad to discuss further with those interested.