In search of utopia
What do Hershey’s Kisses, Amana Refrigerators, and Oneida silverware have in common? All these products originated in experimental utopian communities.
Nineteenth century America was a time of exploration, expansion and experimentation – including a number of significant social experiments. The promise of a new life and expanded freedoms led many social reformers to experiment with what they defined as a perfect society. Attempts to establish a utopian society gave rise to a number of influential and important communities and movements. There were significant attempts to create utopia on earth in New Harmony, Ind., and Oneida, N.Y., among others.
All the utopian experiments of the nineteenth century in America failed. A few common threads seemed to have been woven into each of these communities that led to their demise. Each was founded on the principles of a fallible man and sought perfection in an imperfect world. Each was dependent on the cooperation, work, intellect, and good will of imperfect people.
The Lord warned His followers that life on earth would not be perfect. According to Job, “Man, who is born of woman, is short-lived and full of turmoil” (Job 14:1). Jesus acknowledged that economic inequities would always exist (Matthew 26:11). Jesus said each day will have enough trouble of its own (Mat. 6:34).
We cannot and will not achieve the perfect society as long earth is populated by fallible humans. It is futile to search for such on earth.
Jesus provided His followers with a reliable, trustworthy guide in the midst of an imperfect and flawed world. Man’s knowledge is incomplete, flawed, and often dangerous. But God’s will and way are clearly revealed to man in the Bible (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Unlike the flawed philosophies and plans of man, God’s law is perfect and complete. (James 1:25 “perfect law of liberty.”)
The Lord offers His followers a perfect society in the life to come. Heaven will be a wonderful, happy city where God dwells among the redeemed of all ages (Rev. 21:1-3). Those admitted into the glorious presence of God will be in the very presence of God. They will see Him face to face. This is where we have sent our prayers.
Imagine being in the presence of God! Here we struggle to comprehend “God,” but in heaven the struggle will be over. If seeing God doesn’t excite you, then please take a close look at your relationship with Him!
What is NOT in heaven will contribute to its beauty and wonder. There will be no more tears, death, sorrow, crying, or pain (Revelation 21:4). All the causes of tears will be removed. Exciting, isn’t it? No canes or wheelchairs. No Bayer aspirin. Chiropractors and surgeons will be out of business; hospitals and funeral homes will decay for lack of use. There will be no more names chiseled on tombstones. The heavy burdens we bear in this life, burdens so heavy that almost make us fall, will all vanish when we hear our blessed Lord welcome us home. Heaven will surely be worth it all.
There will be no need of the sun as God and Lamb will be its light (Revelation 21:23-27). There will be no gates as there will be no enemies nor any need for protection. There will be no challenges to God’s glory. There will be nothing to spoil, no night as God is always present.
Does that excite you? Does it sound appealing? Will our investment of toils, tears, resistance, self-discipline, sacrifice, and sorrow be worth an eternal existence in the blessed sunshine of God’s glorious presence? You know it will!
Heaven is described as a place where the followers of Jesus can rest from their labors (Rev. 14:13). Heaven is a place where nothing will ever threaten its inhabitants, thus the gates remain open (Rev. 21:25). Heaven is a place of peace (Luke 16:22, 25). Heaven is a place that will never lose its splendor (1 Peter 1:3-4).
Life on this earth will not always be pleasant. It will be littered with many pains, disappointments, trials, and tribulations. Those who look to this earth to provide them with perfection will surely be disappointed. Those who look to God and wait patiently for heaven will not be disappointed.
Utopian experiments failed in large part due to the fallible leaders who promoted flawed schemes. The hope of the Christian does not rest on men, but upon God and His Blessed Son Jesus.
A favorite hymn of mine is “Heaven will surely be worth it all.” Often, I’m hindered on my way, burdened so heavy I almost fall; then I hear Jesus sweetly say; Heaven will surely be worth it all. Heaven will surely be worth it all. Worth all the sorrows that here befall; after this life with all its strife, heaven will surely be worth it all.
Utopia will never be achieved on earth, but by living faithful to God, we can find it one day in God’s own home.