Read: 1 Corinthians 13:12–13 | Listen: 1 Corinthians 13:12–13

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12

Paul writes to a church torn apart by rivalry, arguing over whose spiritual gift matters most. Into that quarrel, Paul teaches the greater way: love. Near the end of the chapter, Paul uses an image every Corinthian would recognize—a mirror. Corinth is famous for its bronze mirrors, some of the finest in the ancient world. Yet, even their best mirror, polished by hand, gives only a dim, distorted reflection. Paul says their knowledge of God right now is like that—real, but incomplete. One day, that will change. Believers in Jesus will see God fully, face to face, and know him as completely as he already knows them.

We can get caught up in details about heaven, wondering where it is or what we’ll do there, and miss the point entirely. Heaven isn’t heaven because of a place or an activity. It’s heaven because Jesus is there. We can easily lose sight of that truth. Many good activities can quietly crowd out time spent with him. We can work hard, provide for our families, or enjoy fun hobbies without ever pausing to think of eternity, or see Jesus as the ultimate gift. Our relationship with him today is only the beginning—a glimpse of the joy we will experience with him face to face in eternity.

TODAY: Ask God to reveal where good things have crowded out your relationship with Jesus. Pray this: “Father, I’ve let _____________ take priority over knowing you more. Help me see you clearly and treasure you above all else. Amen.”

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