What does this common body joined together by the Holy Spirit mean? It means we have a common goal, a unified hope. Our attention is fixed on something outside of who I am, what my needs are, but is fastened to God's great plan of giving glory to his name.

Unfortunately, for many people the word hope is synonymous with lukewarm optimism. For others, hope is non-existent only because they cannot get their gaze off themselves and this present world.

But for Paul, hope was a blazing certainty that keeps us from becoming preoccupied with the stuff which constantly harps at us, calling our attention away from the reality which awaits us, a reality
of heaven.

This week, how often have you contemplated heaven? When has the thought of eternal life put a smile on your face? More often than not we look at the future with dreaded uncertainty, for all we can see is the pain of death without the hope of heaven.

As Christians, we are united in one hope in the future.

Andy Futch serves as the Activities and Family Life Minister at Heritage Hills Baptist Church.