Having an Eternal Perspective

I'd like to say a couple of words about having an eternal perspective, which I think is so critically important for believers. We need to elevate our gaze from mean earthly vanities to eternal verities. To develop an eternal perspective we need to saturate ourselves with Scripture and of course Jesus modeled daily devotion to the Word of God. Because of that so should we. Remember, in the ultimate spiritual battle Jesus took up the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

Not only that but we need to begin to view this world with an eye towards eternity by focusing on the needs of others. As Jesus sacrificed Himself for the sins of the world, we need to learn to live selflessly rather than selfishly. At the Judgment those who fed the hungry, who gave drink to the thirsty, who clothed and fed the naked, cared for the sick and visited people in prison are going to be rewarded as if they had done these things for the Lord Himself.

One more point, and that is we develop an eternal perspective by withdrawing from the invasive sounds of the world so that we can hear the sounds of another place, and maybe more importantly, another voice. Doctor Luke tells us that Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray. He wasn't like the religious leaders of the day. He didn't pray to be seen by men. He prayed because He treasured fellowship with His Heavenly Father. If you too wish to develop that kind of perspective, a perspective that leads to abundant living now and for all eternity, go into your room, close the door, said Jesus, and pray to your Father who is unseen and then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. It's not about having palaces in this life. It's about having a relationship with Christ for time and for eternity.

Remember, we're looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth wherein dwells righteousness. No more death, mourning, crying or pain, because the old order of things will have passed away. All things become new. That eventuality is right around the corner. I can say that as I am now 57 years of age and I think about the fact that my dad died when he was 74. I think of the span between 57 and 74 and it's not a long period of time. You start realizing how mortal we are and how important it is to leave it all on the field, as it were, to live our life for things that really matter, the souls of people.