Eternity – The Soul’s Destination and Life’s Wake Up Call
This article first appeared on Team Jesus Magazine here.
Sometimes this life seems like it will last forever. However, with death increasing all around us, you know that life is temporary. As I sit and meditate on God, He has pressed upon my heart something to share with you. I could not help but write a simple but strong reminder to you today. That is:
DO NOT FORGET ABOUT ETERNITY.
As a believer, we must not allow this temporary life to consume our existence. We are heirs to the promise of salvation (Galatians 3:29). We live in this world, but we cannot forget that there is a life to come. Sure, everyone desires comfortability, prosperity, and success in this life. There is nothing wrong with having those things. But, there is greater prosperity that resides within our soul, and we must prioritize that.
Soul Prosperity
3 John 1:2 “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
The soul is eternal, and the prosperity that is for the soul means living in eternity with God. I’m like Apostle John – it is my hope that all people can enjoy life and be in good health. However, so many people have sought the prosperity of this life and left the reality of eternity tucked away like a myth in the back of their minds.
Eternity is so much closer than we can think. The return of Jesus is near. Life is being cut short every day. But how many of us are truthfully preparing?
Are you living with eternity in mind?
Do you live with the understanding that one day you will stand before God and have to make an account for every single thing (Ecclesiastes 12:14)?
These are some hard things to consider. But, it is an inevitable reality we will all one day face.
Our Citizenship is not of the Earth
Hebrews 13:14 (NLT): “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.”
The Bible clearly tells us that this world is not the home of believers. If we understand that, then we must equip ourselves for our permanent residence.
For example, people move to the U.S. with no intention to stay. Whether they come to work, get an education, or any other reason, they know when they arrive that their time here is temporary. They don’t get caught up in the customs and way of life of Americans. Instead, they focus, making no permanent connections to a foreign land. This is how we ought to be as sojourning believers in this world. Our heart should be fixed on our eternal home with God.
This is not an attempt to tell you to live frivolously in this world. But, I need to remind you about eternity. Indeed, we have to live life while we are in this world, but don’t forget to store up for the things that are eternal. Prepare yourself. Don’t allow this world to make you oblivious to the reality of eternity.
Concluding
Luke 12:40, “Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.”
I’m not trying to scare you or make you nervous. I want you aware and prepared. I write this with great compassion and love because it is my desire to see you enter in the Kingdom of our Father. There are some people who have heard their whole life “Jesus is coming back!” and, of course, have yet to see it. But just like the message of Noah, who preached rain, one day it happened. Even if Jesus doesn’t return in your lifetime, eternity will meet us all, and we have to be prepared.
You may ask, “How do I get prepared?” Here are some starting points.
If you haven’t done so, accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10).
Repent and Turn from Sin (Acts 3:19).
Learn of the Lord and Follow Him through His Word. He will reveal God, the Father to you. (Matthew 11:29).
To conclude, no matter what happens in the world, do not forget the eternal goal which is to attain the prize through Christ Jesus (Phillippians 3:14).
I love you all!