Highway to Heaven

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.”  Proverbs 3:27

When you hear the phrase “highway to Heaven,” what comes to mind?  Do you fill your thoughts with “what I must do to get to Heaven”?  Well, good luck with that notion.  We can’t do our way to Heaven.  Only in our Savior, can we possibly reach that kingdom.  Instead, my thoughts turn to is “What beneficial thing can I do along the way?”  Do I have the power to make a difference?  Then, why not?

Yesterday, my heart was saddened with the news of famous actor, comedian, and humanitarian, Jerry Lewis, had passed away.  While I had watched numerous movies with his zany humor, especially partnered with the late Dean Martin, it was his life after acting that took a particular interest to me.  He turned to a different power.  The power to help others.

Since 1952, Mr. Lewis dedicated his life to the efforts of raising fund for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  This organization was created for medical services and research to combat MD and other diseases of the nervous system that affect some quarter of a million kids, as well as adults.  Most notably, he was responsible for annual telethons, raising money to fund ongoing research for these diseases, which he did for 46 years.  I recall watching several years of the charitable events.  Each year, I could see the face of this once young and vibrant comedian turn older.  His eyes looked more and more weary, each year that passed.  At times, he would appear so physically exhausted, I wondered what kept him going.  The answer was: his passion for helping the children.  It gave him an inner strength to keep going forward.  Mr. Lewis was a prime example of how someone with fame and fortune can use their talents to serve a Godly purpose.   

“Bear one another’s burden, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”  Galatians 6:2 is clear on taking up the burdens that other people are forced to carry.  To help those, especially when they cannot help themselves, is fulfilling one of Christ’s commands to love our neighbors, as ourselves (Matt. 22:39).  We each have the power and ability to teach, build, counsel, among several other talents.  These serve no end when they remain idle.  They do, however, serve and please God (Heb. 13:16).  

How accomplished do you feel when you are able to help others?  Maybe it’s helping your friend do repair work on their house.  It could be doing a little yardwork for a neighbor that is physically unable.  Or, dropping off some food to someone that has been physically ill.  The possibilities end only where we choose to turn away and ignore a situation.  We all want to get to Heaven, right?  The real question, we all must ask, is: how will you choose to spend the time walking that highway?