Changi Chapel

The 9/11 terrorists were governed by what they believed about their future. That’s the way it should be. But if the future you envision is wrong, you will be shocked when you die.

The terrorists believed that the instant they died as murderers of infidels “the women of paradise would be waiting.”

Here’s an excerpt from one of their notebooks: "Reflect on their meanings and remember all of the things that Allah has promised for the martyrs. . . . Know that the gardens of paradise are waiting for you in all their beauty, and the women of paradise are waiting, calling out, ‘Come hither, friend of God.’ They are dressed in their most beautiful clothing. (Quoted from Marvin Olasky, “Islam vs. Liberty” World Sept. 10, 2011, 77)

We too — the disciples of Jesus — believe that we should be governed by the future. Only our hope of reward leads to suffering for infidels – not killing them.

The basis of our behavior is what we believe about our future. This pattern of motivation was followed by Jesus himself. “For the joy that was set before him he endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus’ life, too, was grounded in what he believed about his future.

Let us learn again from the terrorists that belief in the future is a very powerful thing. We should be controlled by what we believe about our future.

Learn from the terrorists: Don’t throw your life away pursuing the wrong future. And don’t throw it away on the American dream – or any other fancy good life the world has to offer.

Fall in love with the final future glory. This conviction carried Jesus to the cross. The wrong conviction may carry you to Mecca.

Someone wisely said "Only those who are prepared to die for something, are fit to live" – what are you prepared to die for today?

John Piper
Pastor/Preacher/Author

©John Piper

Body text by John Piper, the words in italics are mine – John B. Samuel.