Friday, May 13, 2016

An Eternal Context

I have felt a bit overwhelmed lately. I suspect some of you can relate. It always seems there are more things to be done than there are hours in the day. We talk about setting priorities and focusing on what is important, but what if everything seems to be important… and on fire… at the same time? All we can do is do the best that we are able to do with the time, energy, wisdom, and resources available to us. And sometimes that still isn’t enough.

At such times it is good to remember the eternal perspective that ought to characterize our lives. One day Jesus will return. One day every one of us will stand before Him and give account for our lives. That is a sobering thing to contemplate. How many of the things that worry me, occupy me, and cause me stress today are going to be important on that day? Some of them will be important, obviously. My work as a husband, father, and minister will matter very much on that day. Whether I stayed close to Christ throughout my daily tasks instead of allowing them to draw me away from him will matter as well. But many of the specific items on my to-do list fade in significance when viewed in the light of eternity. It is not that they are unimportant; it is simply that their importance is relative and now placed in its proper context.

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.
(Isa. 26:3-4)

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 
(1Pet. 5:6-7)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb. 12:1-2)


May the Lord help us always to find rest and peace in Him. –JME