Monday, October 1, 2012

Eternity

“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”  2 Corinthians 4:17-18

God wants us to have an eternal perspective.  Temporal affairs cannot compare with eternal realities.  Without question our earthly life is beset with light momentary afflictions, but, when our minds are fixed on eternal truth, God is able to make our sufferings fit us for heaven.  God’s Word makes it clear to us that we can look to one of two different realities.  One is the physical and temporal world of this present life; the other is spiritual and eternal world of the life to come.  While it is certainly true that Christians cannot and should not ignore the present life, we are called to view our lives in light of eternity.  We are called to see all of life in proper perspective.  There are extremes to avoid.  Focusing on eternal life to the exclusion of this present life is escapism; focusing on this present life to the exclusion of eternal life is worldliness.  Escapism may be used to shirk responsibilities that we have in this present life.  An eternal perspective must not be used to justify this sort of self-serving attitude.  Worldliness may be used to justify an obsession with the world’s possessions, pleasures, power, and praises.  We may live in this world but not of this world.  But what does that really mean?  It means that we must live in the present for eternity.  This eternal awareness brings meaning to our life now because now matters forever.  Our present life has eternal implications.  This understanding lifts us from mundane meandering through the monotony of life into the realm of purpose and significance.  We should remind ourselves every day that forever is coming and coming soon.  Soon we shall be in either heaven or hell.  Soon we shall stand before the judgment seat of Christ.  Forever is soon.  Are we living with this perspective?  It gives meaning to our light momentary afflictions.  It gives unending hope and purpose and joy.  This day let us live in light of eternity.  Let us seek the things that are above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 

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