Do You Have an Eternal Perspective?

Written by: Ed Grable, Life Group DIrector

A few months ago, Josh stated that humans think we will live forever for some reason. Somehow in our flawed thinking, we have convinced ourselves we control our destiny. If we eat right, exercise, and take our vitamins, then our bodies will resist sickness, injury, and the effects of old age. Now research has proven those things may be true for the most part, and we should take care of ourselves if we hope to live a long life here on Earth. But sadly the clock is ticking, and each day we get older, our bodies start to wear out. 

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If old age does not take its toll, there are other enemies of the body. A simple fall, cut, or virus can be life-changing for some of us. We go into the clinic hoping to get antibiotics or something to cure what ails us, but the doctor reveals that things are far worse than you could imagine. As he shares possible treatment options and outcomes, you sit in shock and struggle to believe what you hear. Once you have time to let things soak in, you begin to plan and prepare for a long fight ahead of you. 

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Believing you will be cured drives you but does not bring you peace. The only way to face the future confidently, especially when we realize that we are never promised tomorrow, is to have an eternal perspective in life now. Simply put, we shift our thinking from all we have to do and accomplish here before we die and instead focus on eternity with Jesus. This does not mean we stop living or are so focused on heaven that we become no earthly good, to quote Pastor Ben. No, this means death has no power over us because of our faith in Jesus and the promise of eternity with him. 

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Recently one of the most remarkable men of God passed away, and as I read about his last days, I was inspired to write this article and live with more of a focus on eternity. Tim Keller was a gospel-driven pastor, author, church planter, and speaker, just to name a few of his achievements. He had been battling cancer for many years, and the second round shortened his life.  Keller was a grace-filled, compassionate man who encouraged those around him and had a heart for the lost in New York and around the world. These traits were evident as he lived his life as an authentic Christ follower and have been echoed in Memoriam in the days following his passing.

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In the hours leading up to his passing, surrounded by loved ones, he made a statement showing his confident hope in what was to come. He simply said: “I am ready to see Jesus.” There was no regret, worries, or questions about who or what he was focused on. He was confident of where he would spend eternity and who he would spend it with. The peace he felt when he took his last breath on earth and his first in heaven must have been indescribable.

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How about you? Do you have an eternal perspective as you live your life? Do you have peace as you look to your future no matter what you may face as your body ages and the finality of life is realized? Pastor Keller wrote a book on death in 2020, and it is full of hope for the believer and a great evangelical tool for the unbeliever. The Gospel Coalition shared many of these words of wisdom in this article. I hope it gives you a new perspective and peace that only comes from understanding Christ's victory over what so many fear death.

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