Focus on the Eternal

So much of our time, energy, and plans focus on material things. From birth, we are programmed to grab, get, and gather. I am all for abundant living; however, we should never lose focus on the eternal perspective in pursuit of happiness!

When you study the Scriptures, you will find that Jesus made great effort to improve people’s quality of life. However, after meeting their material needs, He always pointed them towards eternity in heaven. I believe God is doing the same thing today. He wants us to enjoy life but to never sidetrack and lose sight of our eternal purpose.

Recent news of the premature death of basketball superstar, Kobe Bryant, shocked the world. I do not know too much about his beliefs or values, nor am I knowledgeable of basketball. What I do know is that Kobe Bryant had worldwide influence.

I, too, am distraught by the sudden demise of such a great athlete at the age of only 41. I am saddened to think of the family he left behind. Please pray for them! The news of the accident forced me to acknowledge the shortness and fragility of life. It has provoked me to reconsider my priorities and live with an eternal perspective that glorifies God. Kobe Bryant’s hard work, talent, and achievements gained him respect, wealth, and influence. Unfortunately, his life was cut short and he left it all behind.

In Mark chapter 10, a man runs up to Jesus and kneels before Him saying, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus tells him to keep God’s commandments to which the young man replies, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.” Then Jesus looks at him with love and says, “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” At these words the man was saddened and walked away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.

Many people misinterpret this passage. See, God is not against people having a good life or nice things. The problem is when the goods own you. God wants you to have a life of peace, joy, prosperity, health, and abundance. The Bible says, “Remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18 NIV). We know that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father in heaven (James 1:17). Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

Is God against material success? No, of course not, but our vision is skewed if our success takes the focus away from eternity. God is not against wealth, fame, influence, or affluence; in fact, these are His blessings. Do not get so caught up in the gifts that you forget the gift-Giver! Use what you have to honor God in everything you do.

Life is a vapor. The time we occupy here on earth is miniscule compared to eternity. If we are only focused on the here and now, then we are going to miss out on eternity. Shall we not then focus more on the eternal and less on what is temporary?

In Gladiator, Maximus, the roman general, quotes Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor, and says, “What we do in this life, echoes in eternity!” I love this statement because it is so true for us believers. What we do now affects eternity!

So what can we do to live a life with eternal perspective? Start with your own belief system. Is it in alignment with God’s? Pay attention to who you have in your life—your family, friends, and loved ones! They sacrifice the most for you. Are you expressing gratitude and appreciation towards them? Do not just assume that they know; instead, keep reminding them how much you love them. When it comes to material possessions, enjoy what you have but be generous to invest in the eternal also.

Denzel Washington once said, “You'll never see a U-Haul behind a hearse. ... Now, I've been blessed to make hundreds of millions of dollars in my life. I can't take it with me, and neither can you. It's not how much you have but what you do with what you have.”

Friend, let us enjoy the life God has given us, but let us also have an eternal perspective. For the unseen is more real than the seen.

“While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18 NKJV)

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