The Importance of an Eternal Perspective

"Dust to dust, and ashes to ashes..." is all I heard before my head began reeling with the implications of an ungodly life, and what I want to be remembered for at my funeral. In the end does it really matter how we lived? Are we really going to leave a lasting mark on those who walked this planet with us? As a Christian, do I want to die with regrets?

These are some serious questions, ones that I believe need answering. As I was attending the funeral of a man who had left his wife and family for another woman, the asphyxiating tension in the room became evidently clear while I observed the family's interaction with one-another, and with this other woman. It was clear that they were doing everything in their power to be friendly to her, but inside there was obvious turmoil and pain. As I observed this I could not help but wonder what that man, His body now lying in a casket, thought during his dying moments. I could not help but wonder at the regret he must have felt as his wife and family surrounded him to comfort him during his last moments on earth. It is this situation that has encouraged me, no, exhorted me, to ask myself this question before I do any "questionable" thing.

"Is it really worth it?"

When the dust settles, the final hurrah is over, and I'm lying on my death bed will I regret the decisions I made? Will I wish that I could undo all the hurt that I caused others? Or how about when I stand before my saviour? Will I be able to utter any words except "I am so sorry." You see, this is the importance 0f having an eternal perspective, it causes us to view our time here on earth as a stewardship, one for which we will have to give account. If we understand that someday we are going to stand before a righteous judge who will ask us to give account of ourselves, it changes things. With that perspective we can no longer live for ourselves, but must live for Christ and for others. The decisions that we make today shape our tomorrow, and we can never tell how far-reaching the consequences of a poor decision will be, but I guarantee you this; any decision not made for the glory of God is far more detrimental than we will ever come to realize. Not only do our selfish acts and poor decisions hurt ourselves, but they affect others, sometimes years later. It is impossible to tell at the time, but in the end, I think we will know.

I am committed to living my life in such a way that if I have time to think it over at the end, I will not finish with regrets, but I can joyfully look forward to a glorious union with my saviour. Wont you commit to do the same? Live your life through Christ's strength, and for the glory of God.