It is such a big word, when we begin to dwell on it. Not surprisingly, as it describes that which we cannot even begin to comprehend.
It stretches out before us, never ending, so many possibilities, no idea which path it takes. Behind us, we understand for a time, until we get to that point where it is just other peoples words, and eventually even that ends.
The reason for writing about this word is that over the last few weeks, I have been contemplating what this means for me.
As a Christian, I believe that Eternity is found through life in the Son, Jesus Christ. That through His death and resurrection on the cross, and our faith in Him through the Holy Spirit, we receive a new Spirit, and are justified and declared righteous before the Father, and so can dwell with Him for eternity, in the new earth that He will create for us. Sounds a little sci-fi when I put it like that, regardless it is the truth.
So if this is what I believe, and I believe that the things of this world will and are passing away, then what am I doing with what I have here?
My time, my money, my efforts.
Where are they going? To eternity, to be counted as reward there for what I spent them on here on earth, or are they going to my immediate pleasure?
Well, after playing the new Elder Scrolls: Skyrim (For you ladies who read this or just people not accustomed to video games, its a great video game.) And well, being honest, playing it a lot over the past week and a half, I have realised that it is a complete waste of time.
I spend hours on this, to achieve.... Nothing?
Some would say that it relaxes them. I can't argue against that, maybe it does for them, as for me, well, not so much, I feel less relaxed usually after playing. Not to mention I have missed out on so many other productive things I could be doing.
I'm not here to condemn video games, rather this led me to discover and search out that in my life that is counter-productive to the mission that I am supposed and have said I will give my lfie for.
Making disciples of all nations. Teaching them about the Christ. Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, breaking the chains of slavery.
When we get to the end of it all, we will be asked a question. Christian or not, the Father will ask us what we did with what we had. With our life.
Based purely upon our actions, not motives, nor dreams, but what we did, concrete, actions.
A kind word, a small gift, taking the time to sit with a friend for hours and not saying a word.
These are still actions, just as much as preaching the gospel, sharing the good news, healing the sick, etc.
Can we stand before our Lord and say to Him in good faith that all we do, is done for His glory and for the Kingdom of God?
That is the standard. I will not demean it by lowering it to conform to my lifestyle or the life of anyone else around.
I do not condemn you, as I myself am found lacking, yet let it inspire to more. Let it inspire us to greater levels.
We are in a position that no one in history has ever been in before. We have the resources, the ability, the passion and the power to fulfil the great commission in our generation.
But we also have the greatest level of distraction and compromise.
Let's rise up to be all that we can. Let this cause you to think as I did, that no longer will I serve myself, or the world, and give it all to the one “who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us”.
May His peace be with you!
Daniel