Day 4: Made to Last Forever


I've heard about the idea that life on Earth is but a blip in eternity, and that the life we live in this world will determine where we end up for eternity.  But one thing that I find weird is:  If life here and now is so short compared to eternity, why are we being judged so harshly after such a relatively insignificant amount of time?  For us to be placed in heaven or hell, forever, based simply on a life of less than 100 conventional years...  I feel that's the equivalent of giving a 1-year-old baby either $1 billion USD and complete freedom or a life sentence in a maximum security prison.  I feel that there must be a better explanation for what this life is about, if we are to believe in God and in eternity.

It just occurred to me:  If people like me cannot even comprehend the significance of saving now for an earthly retirement 30 years down the road, how can we comprehend or begin to appreciate the weight of preparing for eternity?

Point to Ponder: There is more to life than just here and now.


I can agree with this statement, if I construe it to mean that I should consider more than just myself and my short-term, immediate wants and desires.  But I can't say that I fully understand or buy into the idea of eternity yet.

I think Rick Warren makes some good points in this chapter with regard to how we should minimize our material pursuits while putting more focus on our interpersonal relationships.  I am not rich, but I am far from poor.  But the best times I can remember are not times when I spend thousands of dollars; the best times were all times spent with friends at home.  The best things really are free, and not only are they free I don't think I can buy them even if I tried.

Question to Consider: Since I was made to last forever, what is the one thing I should stop doing and the one thing I should start doing today?


Again, if I set aside the "since" clause in the question, I can give a reasonable answer to the question.  For me, what I can stop doing is so simple to say but yet so hard to do:  Eat in moderation; sleep regularly; schedule time in my life to unwind instead of always feeling like something else is overdue.

Sigh, I said I would start learning French today, or at least make a move in that direction by purchasing Rosetta Stone.

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