There are two types of glimpses we have: one we can control and one we can’t. First, let me mention the latter.
We can’t control the fact that this present world is fallen. That was decided long before we got here. Paul tells us that the world is in “bondage to decay” and “groaning” (Romans 8:19–22). Here and there we can see glimpses of the beauty of God’s creation as we await the perfect world to come.
We also can’t control the fact that our bodies are fatalities waiting to happen. Our lives are like a breath, a fleeting shadow, a mist (Psalm 144:4; James 4:14). This life is just a glimpse of the glorious life to come for followers of Christ. Our eternal destiny is one of perfect joy, love, and service to God. In the same passage mentioned above, Paul states that there is no comparison between our present sufferings and the glory that awaits (Romans 8:18). Humans and the earth itself are both groaning for our future redemption.
There is another type of glimpse that we can control, but we usually don’t. We (with a finger pointing at myself) settle for a mere glimpse of a true relationship with Jesus. There is tremendous power, joy, peace, and love that is ours for the taking IF we will do one simple thing: die to ourselves and let God dictate our lives (Galatians 2:20). Seek God’s will first and His righteousness, and then blessing awaits (Matthew 6:33). This is a concept so foreign and scary to the vast majority of us that we barely even dip our toes into these waters.
The “how” to achieving more than a glimpse of this lifestyle includes things we are well familiar with: consistent Bible reading, prayer time, fellowship with other believers, not giving in to temptation and sin, and resisting the Devil. Yet, with our daily routines, the comforts of life at our fingertips, and laziness and selfishness as a natural, ongoing choice, we usually take the road more traveled. Therefore, chances are good that we won’t have much fruit to show for our lives when this present one is through.
No, we don’t get to heaven through good works, but by accepting God’s grace through faith. However, good works are a demonstration that God is living in and through us. We were created for good works (Ephesians 2:8–10). And what amazing and earth-shaking works they would be if we would just “let go and let God”. Make that your prayer today.