Are our daily thoughts, words and actions viewed through the lens of eternity? One of the many definitions in Webster of the word “lens” is a piece of transparent glass used in optical devices in correcting defects of vision.
To see with correct spiritual vision, we must look into the perfect law of liberty and continue in it (James 1:25). That look must be penetrating to the extent that it brings about transformation in our attitude, conduct and character, “to be renewed in the spirit of your mind” (Ephesians 4:23).
Romans 14:11-12 declares, “For it is written: ‘As I live, says the LORD, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.’ So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” Do we really believe and understand that this experience is inevitable for every person? If we do, it will be reflected in the way we conduct our lives and in our interactions with all people.
Do we really believe and understand that our choice to live or not to live according to the way God has commanded has eternal consequences? Romans 8:13-14 says it does. “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.”
As our Creator, our Lord and Master, and our Father, He is aware of every aspect of our lives. Do we really believe and understand everything about us matters to God? Hebrews 4:13 says it does. “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”
These are only a smidgen of the passages telling us that all areas of our lives and our interactions with others must be viewed through the lens of eternity. Eternity – when was the last time crucial thought of what that word means crossed your mind? This is a suggestion that perhaps will help to give a little perception of how vast that concept can be. One stanza of Amazing Grace says, “When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we first begun.” Recall the most wonderful blissful experience you have ever had and multiply that by a zillion. It is impossible to calculate or contemplate.
Now recall the most horrifying and painful experience you have ever had to endure and multiply that by a zillion. How many zeros is that? Whatever that number is, it will not compare with the anguish of being lost and separated from God for eternity! Another song entitled, Prepare to Meet Thy God, has these words in the chorus: “Careless soul, O heed the warning, for your life will soon be gone; O how sad to face the judgment unprepared to meet thy God.”
Nothing, nothing, nothing is more tragic than dying unprepared to meet God! From everlasting to everlasting He is God. He has made every provision and concession for us to live with Him eternally. Isaiah 57:15-16 speaks to that. “For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. For I will not contend forever, nor will I always be angry; for the spirit would fail before Me, and the souls which I have made.”
Webster defines “eternity” as infinite time; duration without beginning or end. Viewed through the lens of eternity, is your life reflecting that eventual, irreversible reality?
