At the height of its power, being a citizen of the Roman Empire was like being a minnow in the Pacific Ocean. The Empire stretched 2,650 miles and all roads led to Rome.

So What If All Roads Led to Rome?
Most folks felt their lives made little difference to the rulers in Rome. "The Empire" was just something far away to pay taxes to and obey, not something to be emotionally involved in.

Many Christians today also feel their lives don't make much difference in the eternal scheme of things. The church of Jesus Christ is far bigger than any earthly empire. Two billion people, a third of the entire world, claim to be part of Christianity.

It would be easy to get into a "Roman" mode as a Christian: pay your tithe, obey the rules, stay out of trouble, and don't rock the boat. Live in your corner of the kingdom and don't try to do anything significant. But where's the passion, involvement, significance of a Christian experience like that?

For the Christian, All Roads Lead to Heaven
An average Roman citizen couldn't get an audience with the emperor. But the Christian has been invited to go boldly into the throne room of God-anytime, anywhere (Hebrews 4:16). The legions of heaven have even been dispatched to serve and protect you personally (Hebrews 1:14).

As a citizen of the kingdom of heaven, all the resources of heaven are at your disposal; heaven exists as if you were the only citizen of it. Not only are all the privileges of the kingdom of heaven yours, but all the responsibilities as well. God is depending on each of us to fulfill what He has gifted us to do.

A young pastor in a humble setting in Zimbabwe, Africa, viewed his life with much significance. His words are a challenge:

"I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit's power . . . . The decision has been made-I'm a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished . . . with low living, sight walking . . . tamed visions, worldly talking . . . .

"I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position . . . or popularity . . . . I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer, and I labor with power.

". . . My goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions are few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear . . . . I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity."

"I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And, when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me . . . my banner will be clear."

These words were found with his belongings after he'd been killed for his faith. He did not consider importance or position to be his qualifications for service. He simply had a passion for serving God and knew His privileges and responsibilities. One of the roads to heaven ran through Zimbabwe, and he was on it.

Christians need that young pastor's passion. Too many believers are sitting around instead of getting on the road to heaven that runs through their part of the kingdom. Too many have lost sight of the fact that their gifts and calling from God are critically important to the mission of God.

Don't forget: God sees you as the sole citizen of heaven in terms of your privileges and responsibilities. You and I might not have been a blip on the radar of the Roman Empire, but in heaven we fill the entire screen. The question is: Are we living our lives on earth with our heavenly destination in view?

This article was excerpted from Turning Points, Dr. David Jeremiah's devotional magazine. Call Turning Point at 1-800-947-1993 for your complimentary copy of Turning Points.