Heaven Comes to Earth

Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. Prov. 27:23-24

In today’s world this verse would basically be saying: Give attention to more than money itself or inherited power, which are both fleeting. Wealth can be lost, robbed or misused, and power isn’t necessarily passed on to the next generation. There are more secure investments in this life than money and authority that aren’t as easily devastated.

Certainly, our eyes are fixed on what is eternal (in the spiritual realm of Heaven), even while we pass through this life. But Heaven comes to earth in today’s verse. Solomon points his readers, once again, to godly wisdom for what to do while we’re here on earth. It is in our best interest to spend our time and energy wisely by investing in more lasting endeavors than what is easily lost.

Back in Bible days, they supported themselves through agricultural pursuits. Of course, owning land and cattle wasn’t the perfect investment, in any way, but it was a pretty solid undertaking that fed and clothed their families.   

Neither my husband nor I own large property or sheep. The management of our home is my responsibility, while he pours out his hardworking hours in the business world. My household supervision plus his salary support us, all of which falls into the not-promised- tomorrow category.

How in this day and time am I supposed to apply this verse to myself? What lasting, earthly endeavors generally meet my basic need for food, shelter and clothing? How about the firm aspects of prayer, hard work, frugality, thriftiness, good planning, generosity, creativity, contentment and joy, to name a few?

Praying to God for my daily bread puts me in communion with Him, and I have faith that He will provide the necessities of life. Hard work is a must. Attributes of frugality and thriftiness help one to wisely think through purchases and, therefore, have enough for the essentials, more than one who mindlessly spends. Good planning helps one to better maneuver through life as well. Generosity to those in need is blessed by God (spiritually or financially). Creativity and contentment, when money is scarce, are wonderful, strong tools to have at one’s disposal. And when the joy of the Lord is one’s strength and foundation for all of life, having little isn’t the end of the world. One’s fullness is in Christ and the deepest needs are met.

For a broader meaning of “knowing the condition of my flocks and giving careful attention to my herds,” I must absolutely know what my ‘work’ entails (whatever it may be) and fully understand my role. By the help and grace of God, how am I to wisely keep running things smoothly? Some workers walk the halls of their building. They know the people who work for them and whom it is they work for. What an honor it is for him to pray for these people, which puts the worker in a right frame of mind for the projects ahead.

If a worker must delegate tasks, he never assumes the work is done. The buck stops at where he stands. Somehow he oversees his workers without smothering or micro-managing.

Whatever job a worker faces daily, he must do it well and with diligence, willing to go the distance it takes. Likewise, he must know his own soul well.

Taking “full care of the flocks” can also mean listening to advice, evaluations and warnings about his work and being willing to hear comments about ways to improve.

Father, Heaven comes to earth when, while we still have breath, we apply the principles of your word to our lives. As I move forward in relationships and daily tasks, help me to deeply know the hearts of those around me, the extent of work I am called to do and the pulse of my own heart as well. When I am tired, give me strength. When I am unsure, point me to a better way. When my priorities are backwards, set me on the straight path. Help me to have a clear mind and heart. In Jesus name, Amen.