I’m not a line guy.

Waiting in line is hell for me.

I have left a full shopping cart of groceries at the front of the store because I didn’t want to wait in the check out line.

I have traveled an extra 30 miles out of the way to avoid being stuck in a traffic jam.

I have driven for 3 years without an updated license and registration to avoid the lines at the DMV.

Okay, that last one is a lie.  But I’ve THOUGHT about it!

I don’t like lines.  I hate waiting, which has me worried.

What if I get up to the Pearly Gates, and there’s a line?

Jesus kind of implies that, you know.  Remember when he says “The first will be last and the last will be first”? That kind of sounds like there will be a line.  Potentially a LONG line.

And I hate to admit it, but I don’t see myself very close to the front.  Quite the opposite.

If there are 7 billion people on this planet, surely most of them have suffered more than I have.  And of those who’ve suffered less than me, surely a bunch of them have been more devoted servants in their lives than I have.

I may be stuck towards the back!

Which brings me to my new definition:

“Hell is the length of the line between where we are and Heaven.”

It’s something for us to think about, as we make choices about how we will live, and who we will serve, and what we will worship.

It’s something to ponder as we take or give, as we consume or create, as we live gracefully or selfishly.

The line between us and our God does not involve standing and waiting, but loving and serving. The distance between our lives and the Kingdom of God is set by our own willingness to PARTICIPATE in the Kingdom in our lives, right now.

So, don’t worry about the Pearly Gates, friends…

The line forms HERE.

Have a great week,

Mitch