An Eternal Point of View

“And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (I John 2:17, ESV)

A man I knew often used the phrase “in the light of eternity.” He was a wise and godly man who chose to view the things of this present world as just temporary. He understood that the things many consider as success—social status, wealth, popularity, accomplishments—will not carry over beyond the grave. This life and its successes are fleeting. However, the things we do for God hold eternal value.

Colossians 3:1-2 tells us, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (ESV).

Some do not believe in eternal life. For them, only what is accomplished here on earth is of value. They have no hope beyond this life, and that is sad. The Word of God tells us differently.

Things God’s Word Tells Us:

This present life is fleeting, like a mist that will soon disappear. “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” (James 4:14, ESV)

This present world is not the end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 tell us that God “has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end” (ESV). God has placed an awareness inside each of us that life goes beyond the grave. Our soul will live forever (Matthew 25:46).

We will all answer to God for the life we have lived. “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12, ESV).

what is our focus?

If we really do believe that the grave is not the end, how will this affect the way we choose to live? How passionate are we about the things of God? Is our focus upon what we can accomplish in this present world, or do we pursue things of eternal value? Luke 12:34 reminds us, “For where your treasure is, there will our heart be also.” The big question is, “What do we treasure?”

Christian martyr Jim Elliott said, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.”

The wise decision is to live our lives “in light of eternity.”

I am reminded of a poem by 19^th century missionary C. T. Studd. A portion of it reads:

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;

—C. T. Studd (1860-1931)

Lord, help me to pursue the eternal rather than spend my time on earth seeking the things of this world which will soon pass away. All that will really matter are the things I have done to advance Your kingdom and the souls I have reached with the gospel.