Living With An Eternal Perspective (Part Two)

From the desk of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible expositor and teacher. The apostle Paul teaches the believer, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). Does having an eternal perspective really matter? A woman said to me, “You can’t be so heavenly minded that you’re no earthly good!” My response to her was, “Actually being heavenly minded results in attempting to please God, who has given us work to do in this world!” Yes, having an eternal mindset can significantly matter because it shifts your focus from temporary earthly concerns to lasting values, potentially leading to a more fulfilling life with greater purpose, by prioritizing actions and decisions that have eternal impact rather than just immediate gratification! Essentially, it encourages you to live with a sense of meaning beyond this life. Having this kind of eternal perspective cultivates a desire to please God. It causes us to consider daily life and worship from His point of view. Consequently, we focus on doing God’s work, God’s way. That’s why Paul connected the believer’s mindset with what we seek. He taught, “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:1–2). Why do so few Christians have an eternal mindset? Because we think about this world way too much. We fear that something will be taken away rather than look forward to what we’ll gain. But when we follow Jesus closely, we begin to live in anticipation of where we’re going rather than in anxiety of what we’re leaving. We begin to live each day with eternity in mind. Do you think more about really living in the moment, or living to make your moments really count? Developing an eternal mindset starts by living in anticipation of the place you’re going and the Person you’ll finally see. Live today with eternity in mind! Be encouraged!