Steve Sabol is the founder and president of a company called, “NFL Films.” He is a well known sports executive who is battling a brain tumor. A recent article on his struggle had this headline, “Steve Sabol: Nothing in heaven can duplicate his ‘perfect life.'”

When he was asked if he is going to survive the tumor, he answered “I don’t know. I haven’t asked. I don’t want to know.” And he went on to say, “So they talk about heaven, and I don’t know what is waiting for me up there. But I can tell you this, nothing will happen up there that can duplicate my life down here. Nothing. That life cannot be better than the one I’ve lived down here, the football life. It’s been perfect.”

I respect Mr. Sabol’s right to share his opinions and I certainly wish him well in his fight with cancer, but I think he is all wrong!

On the authority of the scriptures, I can declare that heaven will indeed be much better than this life. Its joys and satisfactions-all rooted in serving Christ- will explode our minds! The eternal life spent in the presence of God will have so many glorious dimensions that we can hardly comprehend it this side of glory! And, it will most certainly cause all of life on earth to pale in comparison.

I read a neat little book on the subject of Heaven the other day that directly challenges Mr. Sabol’s assertion that life here is the “end all of end alls.” And, I would love to recommend it to you. It is called “Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back.”

The story centers around a four year old little boy named Colton Burpo. Colton had a “near death” experience during an emergency surgery for a burst appendix. What makes the story so powerful is his confident assertion that for three minutes during that surgery he went to heaven and then came back.

He did live through the operation and says that in heaven he met Jesus, John the Baptist, his great-grandfather and a sister that was miscarried before he was even born.

The story is very believable. And his claims are very tough to refute. He had specific knowledge of where and what his parents were doing during the surgery. And, Colton later randomly identified his great-grandfather in a picture of him at a younger age.

This week, read the book. I know it will be a blessing. And while you do, remember “…the dwelling of God is with men and he will live with them. They will be His people and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…” (Revelation 21:3-4)

Heaven sure sounds like a better life than the one “down here!”

By His Grace and for His Glory,
Sherry L. Worel