In stories of folklore and legend, we read of a few people who age backwards – born old, they die young. Alternatively, we read of people who have lived in the future and are able to make daily decisions already possessing knowledge of outcomes and consequences. While this is a novel idea, most of us would not wish for such a life. But how does this translate to the life you and I have been given today?
In our home, we have a sign with these hand-lettered words: “Focus on eternity and live from there.” While we have not lived in the future, we know that eternity is real and this life, by comparison, is just a vapor. “…For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” (James 4:14b NKJV). For me, this is a needed reminder of priority and perspective.
If you were told today that you would live forever, would the decisions you make change in any way? Would you spend your money differently? How would you treat the people you encounter? Would you make any changes in the way you treat your body? How would you spend your time?
In last month’s blog post, we talked about stewardship. What is the most precious thing we have to steward? Our very lives, which enable us to love God and live for Him, do Kingdom work, and share His love with others.
You’ve probably encountered the question: “If you knew you were dying tomorrow, how would you spend today?” Let’s flip this question for a moment: “If you knew you would live forever, what choices would you make today?” This perspective shift changes the “You Only Live Once (YOLO)” mentality, doesn’t it?
For you and I WILL live in eternity! Does this knowledge change things? Instead of spending my time and money on simply what I want for today, I’m thinking of eternal investments. Instead of treating others as a reaction to my emotions in the moment, I’m treating them as fellow travelers in this life and in the life to come. We make different decisions when we are playing for the long game. We do only live once, and that means that today really does matter for all of eternity. God’s Word exhorts “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12 NKJV).
This day is a gift; enjoy it and celebrate it. But don’t lose sight of the end goal. Eternity is real – let’s live from there.
Have you had an experience that has changed the way you live daily? What do you think of when you are reminded of eternity? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Lisa, you have a way of uniqueness in your writing that captures attention. This was another excellent writing, Lisa Karine!
Living eternally, a similar thought John Bevere wrote in his book, The King is Coming, a pastor from Brazil said, “It’s because we teach our people the second coming of Jesus, His assessment (judgement) of what we did with our lives, the ensuing eternally rewards, and how this will set our positions of leadership in the millennium and throughout eternity.”
That’s so good!
This is terrific Lisa! Just this morning I was listening to a podcast and the minister said that when he gets behind the pulpit to give his sermon there is a clock that starts counting down telling him when his time is over. He reminded us we are all watching a clock counting down to the return of Jesus. How do we want to spend that remaining time?
Love you!!
Wow – what a reminder! Thank you for sharing, Dayna.