Day 24: An Eternal Perspective
How do I keep my focus on that which is lasting and most important?
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
It is hard for us, whether we are studying for an exam, changing the baby’s diaper or closing a business deal, to give much thought to eternity. Most of the time our focus is on doing the next thing. But Scripture reminds us: “(God) has also set eternity in the hearts of men” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Something deep within us calls out to understand that which is lasting and most important.
The Bible is our reliable guide to understanding the eternal, assuring the believer in Jesus Christ that the promise of everlasting life is as certain as the reality of this life. The Apostle Paul understood that we are designed for eternity: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body” (Philippians 3:20–21).
Does such a perspective affect our lives here on earth? Indeed it does! Confidence in God's ultimate purposes produces true hope, giving us the stamina to persevere, whatever the trial. In comparison to eternity, our day-to-day lives are but a moment, a vapor.
We can say, with the Apostle Paul, “I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day” (2 Timothy 1:12 NIV).
We are to live each day with our eyes focused on eternity. What will you do differently today? Do you need help understanding what that means?