The lens that people most commonly neglect is the “long distance lens.” Developing an eternal perspective is both difficult and challenging. I once heard a speaker say that she learned to ask herself, “What should I do or say now in light of eternity?” This really struck me and resulted in a paradigm shift in my thinking. I began to ask myself this same question as I made decisions. This is quite important in making big decisions like: “What career should I pursue?” or “Whom should I marry?” But it is also important in our day to day decisions. “In light of eternity, how should I spend my money?” “In light of eternity, how should I invest my time?” “In light of eternity, how should I respond to this person?” 112
While Jesus was on earth, He spent much of His time teaching others about an eternal perspective. The world says to love those who love you, but God says to love your enemy. The world says to treat those who are rich and famous with great favor, but God says to care for the poor and the destitute. The world says to gain as much money as you can to bring you happiness, but God says, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose his soul?” (Luke 9:25).
In Matthew 5 to 8, we read Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount to the multitudes. I encourage you to read this as He says many challenging things regarding our perspectives in life. He challenges us with statements like: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth . . . for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” He tells us to seek first the things that will develop our spiritual lives. If we do this, then our heavenly Father will provide all of our physical needs. As you are considering how you will spend your money this week, apply these principles. As you work through how you will respond to someone who is difficult to love, consider Christ’s principles on love. As you make decisions on how to spend your time, think through what Christ says is your purpose on this earth: “This is my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” Our eternity does not begin after we die. From the time Christ becomes our Lord and Savior, our eternal life begins.
How can you apply this eternal perspective throughout your day today?
Excerpt from More Beautiful By The Day - a devotional by Sue Corl
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