Living in Light of Eternity

Eternity Begins Now

Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called. ~ 1 Timothy 6:12

Recently, I've been thinking a lot about eternity. Not as some distant future time without end, but as a reality now.

There was a time when thinking of eternity made me uncomfortable. It seemed like some nebulous, incomprehensible concept that had little meaning for me in my day-to-day life. It was a far distant destination, with little immediate relevance.

A verse I often thought of is Psalm 27:13, which says "I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." This present moment, this earthly life, was my focus because I could not seem to see beyond it. And there is some reason for this. 1 Corinthians 13:12 says "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part, then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. We don't know now all that we will know when we move into the next chapter. But that doesn't mean it isn't relevant now. In fact, it begins now. It is not some far-off experience that I can only imagine. I am living my eternal life now. Yes, it will change, but it will be a continuation of the life I live now, just in a different way. 

Ripples in Eternity

What we do in life ripples in eternity. ~ Marcus Aurelius

I've been reading The Eternity Focused Life: Finding Purpose Now, Strong Treasure Forever by John Hargrove. This life is filled with fleeting pleasures and distractions, which can make it challenging to maintain an awareness of eternity. However, when we broaden our perspective to encompass eternity, it can transform our understanding of the purpose God has given us in this life. The Eternity Focused Life helped me realize that my actions here can influence not only my eternal destination but also my experience of it.

Andrew Murray, in his book Working for God, puts it like this:

"There must be the ambition to rise above the level of a bare existence, the deadly contentment with just being saved. There must be some insight into the beauty and worth of good works as the expression of the Divine life - God's working in us and our working in Him; as the means of bringing glory to God; as the source of life and blessing to men; as the laying up of a treasure in heaven for eternity. There must be a faith that these riches are actually within our reach, because the grace and Spirit of God are working in us. And then the outlook for every opportunity of doing the work of God to those around us, in the footsteps of Him who said, "It is more blessed to give than receive."

Understanding that my current actions impact my eternal life has added significance to my existence. This isn't just about my eternal destination. I was uniquely created for a purpose, and that purpose continues beyond eternity. In fact, eternity will be a more profound and enriched version of who I am today. My daily actions now influence eternity and how I will experience it.

Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity. ~ Unknown

Prioritizing Eternity

Living in the light of eternity changes your priorities. ~ Rick Warren

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. ~ 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Realizing that my actions have eternal consequences lends more meaning to my daily life. It prompts me to reassess my priorities. Suddenly, material possessions and worldly achievements lose their importance. I start to value what God considers important - the people He made in His image, for whom He sent His Son to die and rise again, and for whom He is preparing an eternal home. Material gain is only temporary, while relationships with the eternal souls God has gifted me the opportunity of knowing can be forever.

We partner with God (at His invitation) in promoting His Kingdom on earth. This collaboration is an adventure into the unknown, filled with challenges, victories, setbacks, dangers, tears, and laughter. However, it is an adventure with eternal significance. We are courageous in this journey because, even though it is unknown to us, God is already present, leaving us nothing to fear.