In (Colossians 3:1-2) the Apostle Paul gives us the perspective we should have in life when he says: “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Notice in these two verses Paul tells us to first, “seek those things which are above,” and second, to “set your mind on things above.”
I believe that it was having this eternal heavenly perspective that allowed Paul to proclaim: “Rejoice always.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). You see when we know we are going to spend eternity in heaven, that thought alone is cause for us to always rejoice. And have you ever considered how Paul could suffer so much in his life and yet make the following statement: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18). The only way he could endure so much suffering was to always set his mind on things above.
I really like what the great English hymn writer, Isaac Watts, said when he proclaimed: “I believe the promises of God enough to venture an eternity on them.”1 Isn’t this what having faith in Jesus Christ allows us to experience now and in eternity future. No wonder (John 3:16) is the most translated verse in the world: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Faith in Christ should propel us to sacrifice our lives here on earth to glorify God; even if it means present suffering. C. S. Lewis shared this insightful comment on what our perspective in this life should be: “If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.”2
It’s strange but eternity – something we can’t see – but which we accept by faith, makes all the difference in the world to those of us who embrace Jesus as our Lord and Savior. If we don’t believe in the reality and certainty of eternal life, then the only thing we can look forward to is to be sentenced to a world of pain and suffering; with a fast approaching date with death. No wonder so many people struggle to find meaning and hope in this life, if this life is all they have to look forward to. Paul understood that knowing Christ meant that eternal life made this life worthwhile no matter how much he suffered. He stated this thought so beautifully in (Philippians 3:8): “Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” For Paul gaining Christ meant a life of joy and meaning and above all a certainty of eternal life!
I would like to close with several quotes from Pastor Rick Warren to help you realize why having an eternal perspective is always the best way to live our lives:3
“Just as the nine months you spent in your mother’s womb were not an end in themselves but preparation for life, so this life is preparation for the next.”
“Eternal values, not temporal ones, should become the deciding factors for your decisions.”
“To make the best use of your life, you must never forget two truths: First, compared with eternity, life is extremely brief. Second, earth is only a temporary residence. You won’t be here long, so don’t get too attached.”
1 77 Quotes About Eternity | ChristianQuotes.info
2 C. S. Lewis – If you read history you will find that the… (brainyquote.com)
3 All three Rick Warren quotes are from the following website: