Written by Sarah Evangeline
Have you ever stopped to think about heaven or eternity? I mean really think about it? Eternity is forever. Heaven is forever.
I used to be a person who wanted to create a legacy here on earth. I think we can all be guilty of that. Who can blame us? Our society tells us to believe in the here-and-now. Our culture teaches us to always put ourselves first. Our world is seriously blind to the truth that God made us to last forever.
When you realize you and I could live forever, everything will change. Your values change, your priorities change and even your general outlook on life changes. Instead of chasing after a legacy on earth, you will start running toward the gates of heaven.
Everything on this earth will soon pass away. Our titles, money, and possessions will all fade, but God remains forever. The Bible says, God’s plans endure forever; His purposes last eternally. And guess what? You and I are a part of that marvellous plan!
When you and I start to live beyond the here and now, we start living in the light of eternity. Eternity is defined as a deep and abiding awareness of something beyond our borders. God has planted eternity inside each one of us. I want to start living in light of eternity. Like Rick Warren says in his book The Purpose Driven Life: When we get closer to God everything else will become small.
1 John 2:17 says, “This world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever.”
Just the other day I was having a conversation with a friend about how faith impacts our lives. We were talking about health and how to prevent Alzheimer’s and cancer. She told me what precautions she uses, but she also said something else that was critical. She said, “Yes, I may get cancer, and if I do, so be it. I will work hard to prevent it now, but I am not afraid of it. I know that after this life, I go to heaven to be with my God, so I have nothing to fear.” I knew this truth, but once it was said out loud I finally understood it.
Have you ever thought about life this way?
This life is also a preparation for heaven—we must not waste it. When we meet God, He will ask us two questions. One of them is, “What did you do with my Son, Jesus Christ?” You and I are called to live a life that pleases God. By the way we live, we must show others we love God. I also believe God will ask us, “What did you do with the gifts and talents I gave you?” God wants us to use our gifts and what He has given us for His glory and to help build the Kingdom. I hope this does not scare you, but excites you.
The way you live today impacts eternity!
Life is beautiful. So, have some fun! This life is to be taken seriously, but I know God is creative and imaginative and takes delight when we enjoy His creation. Scripture says, “There is more in store for us than we can even imagine right now!” Enjoy and love the life God has given you. Embrace every part of it.
I cannot promise you a life of perfect peace, but I can promise you that—with God—you will have the most abundant joy. It is a joy born deep in your soul when you rise above this world and choose God instead. Being joy-filled means you will still have to work hard and endure tough times, but you will also find that your worth and reason to live come through Christ alone.
The truth is simple: This life is not our home. We are simply passing through. With Christ, you and I are citizens of heaven. And heaven just gets closer and closer each day.
Jesus, our King, will be coming back again. In a moment, everyone will fall silent. In a moment, Jesus will claim His citizens of heaven. In a moment, every knee will bow and tongue will confess that He is Lord of Lords. Oh, what a glorious day that will be!
I want to put my trust and hope in the God who is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Can you imagine what it will be like to meet Jesus face to face?
Will you live in light of eternity?
Breathe in. Breathe out. Feel that? That’s life. Your life. What are you going to do with it?
Time seems to be the one thing we will never control. I am only 22, and already I feel time just goes faster and faster. Sometimes I wish I could freeze time to seize the moment and reflect on what is truly happening. But you and I both know that’s not possible.
By living knowing heaven is getting closer each day, I have decided to make the most of every opportunity. I will live with the vision of eternity in my mind and heart.
I will not waste this life.
I don’t know about you, but I plan on living forever.