When Jesus returns, the things of earth will have no value anymore.  But for those who have invested all their hope in their possessions, the Day of the Lord will be a huge challenge (Luke 12:16-21).  Like passengers on a sinking ship, they will want to salvage whatever is precious to them.  Lot's wife made a fatal error: instead of getting away from the volcanic ash and lava that was consuming Sodom, she looked back longingly as her old lifestyle was destroyed, because her heart was there (Genesis 19:26).

She perished along with the life she loved; her possessions, home, friends and social games.  It did not even seem to bother her that others in her family were being saved.  As citizens of heaven, we need to get ready to go there.  Jesus was training His apostles so that they could reassess their lifestyles and teach other believers to do the same.  Although gravity continues to anchor our bodies to the earth, our born-again spirits must not be earth-bound any longer.  As Paul writes, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." (Colossians 3:1-2).

It is a common feature of the ungodly to be absorbed with earthly priorities, both their goals and their hopes.  Philippians 3:19 says, “Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.”  They are incapable of seeing any higher goal than to satisfy themselves or ambitions, even if they do include altruistic service of others.  They have no goal of pleasing God or entering His glory, no desire for Christ, His salvation or His holiness.

Any change of lifestyle requires practice: but first the mind must be convinced and the heart must believe that it is the right thing to do.  This is true about becoming a Christian.  It is also true for Christians who realise that they are not living according to God's Word, and things need to change.  In the same way that it is useless to start revising for an examination with only hours to go, no time can be lost in transforming an unsanctified life.  When Jesus comes back it will be too late to start.  Satan still tempts people to look back at the best the world might give and long for more.  But the citizen of heaven is destined for better things ... so we need to get in training.  As Paul wrote, "But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14).  Remember Lot's wife and don't look back!