How an Eternal Perspective Changes Everything
Bleak. Unnerving. Restless. Uncertain. The unknown.
These are the words that would describe a heart that finds itself thrown into the realm of uncertainty. Would we deny that the last year has brought many of us a dramatic shift in our plans, dreams, and desires? With so many unexpected changes, too many of us, the future appears foggy at best.
Sound familiar to your story? Where do you turn when your future seems uncertain? When the restlessness in our hearts appears to grow with every passing day? When our motivation seems to dwindle in the face of fear? When it appears that the goalpost is always moving, you are left wondering what the purpose of life really is, or rather how it will look.
.Jesus’s Perspective
Scripture reminds us of the significant perspective to hold in times of uncertainty. And we find that in the words of comfort Jesus gave to His disciples.
As the narrative outlined in the book of John progressed to the coming of Jesus’ ministry, we see the author tell of Christ’s prophecy concerning the cross He would endure. He washed His disciple’s feet (John 13:1-17) and predicted both the betrayal (John 13:18-30) and Peter’s denial (John 13:31-38). The end was approaching, and a new season was emerging on the horizon. The disciples were in desperate need of their Rabbi’s teaching and guidance. So, in keeping with His character of compassion, Jesus spoke these words of comfort.
1Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” (John 14:1-4).
Jesus comforted His disciples with the truth of eternal perspective. What is eternal perspective precisely? Simply put, it means to have an outlook on life that transcends far beyond what is temporary and to understand that life is only a vapor. A small drop within the bucket of eternity. And to look forward in anticipation of heaven, which brings focus into our very lives.
Living a Focused Life
As believers in Christ, we can take hold of the same words of comfort given to comfort Jesus’ disciples. Though the times seem uncertain, as they may have appeared to the disciples, we are granted not simply temporary pleasures and goals (though there may indeed be blessings that are God-honoring). Rather, we are given a glimpse of eternity and, from that place, are granted the endurance to run the race with that goal in mind. Indeed, this is a theological principle, or words of great comfort, which the people of God should be encouraged with daily. So why is it often not talked about over our pulpits?
C.S. Lewis expounds on this point even more in his famous book Mere Christianity:
“Hope is one of the theological virtues. This means that a continual looking forward to the eternal world is not (as some modern people think. A form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do). It does not mean that we are to leave the present world as it is. If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just 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. Aim at Heaven and you will get earth ‘thrown in’: aim at earth and you will get neither.”[1]
His statement furthers the point that it is incredibly important to be heavenly-minded on this earth. That it does not take away from life on earth through distraction or a lack of presence. Rather, it brings about clarity into our daily lives here on the earth.
With the promise of heaven, we can experience the tenderness of God firsthand as He bestows love on His children. And in these promises, our hearts can find rest in our Heavenly Father, knowing full well He is going to take care of our every need.
When our circumstances appear uncertain, we can take comfort in the words of God that eternal life awaits those who follow Christ. Who have repented of their sins and accept Jesus as their Saviour. And those who follow in obedience have a growing, active relationship with Him.
If you do not know Him today, my prayer is that you would seek the answer to this question: Who is God really? What is His character like? And from there, you would consider what it means to become a follower of Christ, to surrender your life to Him today. To repent and turn away from your sins, and to make the decision to walk with the Person of Jesus Christ, according to what is written in the Bible. And to allow the Holy Spirit to change your life forever.
This is been the most beautiful, deep, and stable love I have ever encountered in my own life. And it is available to us all.
May your heart be encouraged and your perspective invigorated by living out the eternal perspective today. Let what you do, whether it be small or a mundane task, be all for the glory of God and for the kingdom of heaven. May we praise with the psalmist:
“Believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:13-14)
[1] Lewis, C. S., et al. The C.S. Lewis Signature Classics. HarperOne, 2017.112.