Article February 5, 1996 Issue

Couldn't we all use more heaven now?

Audrey H. Walter

"Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders" (Isa. 60:18). This Biblical prophecy promises in our present world what many people hope heaven will be, beyond the here and now. Christ Jesus, however, did not teach a tedious wait for a postponed heaven. He affirmed, "The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:20, 21).

This declaration describes a mental state, including the realization that good, or God, is ever present and omnipotent. When Jesus stated (John 10:30), "I and my Father are one," he was not claiming exclusive rights, for he taught us to pray "Our Father which art in heaven" (Matt. 6:9). It is man's relation to the Father, our oneness with the divine Mind, that ensures the possibility of the harmony of heaven in our present experience. We demonstrate this oneness as we learn to think and act from the basis of the one Mind.

God's presence is not seen physically, nor is our own true being something predominantly physical with a touch of spirit for seasoning. The enormously satisfying fact is that our true selfhood is completely spiritual; we discover this fact through selfless expressions of love, intelligence, truth, and meekness. When our thoughts and acts toward others express divine Love's ever-presence, this shields us from violence and fear and neutralizes their supposed power. The power of divine Love, understood and demonstrated in our own experience, reveals heaven right at hand.

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