When we read a book, we may sneak an early peek at the ending. We wish we could do that with life. Realistically, we can’t; but the fact that our decisions along the way affect that earthly ending—and the eternity that follows that earthly ending—is very real.
The book of Proverbs is advice for living wisely. Most of the warnings include descriptions of negative consequences for poor decisions. The encouragements to do right include assurances of blessing for heeding the advice. We know that the book of Proverbs is not a book of promises, but its counsel promotes wisdom by describing outcomes which commonly follow choices.
We tend to become wrapped up in today and tomorrow and seldom think about 5 years from now or eternity. Viewed from the beginning of time forward, however, our lives on this earth are very brief: “For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes”(James 4:14). James wrote these words near the end of a warning against worldliness, something every age has struggled with. When you reach the end of your life, and your perspective is toward eternity rather than simply the next moment, will you be thankful for most of your decisions or have regrets?
Hebrews 11 is considered the Hall of Faith. The writer of Hebrews says the following about these men and women: “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city”(Hebrews 11:13-16).
They lived their lives as strangers on this earth, aliens from another land, visiting but not at home. They were so convinced of the future fulfillment of God’s promises that they could greet the promises. When we have a great desire to fit in here on this earth, to establish ourselves in the here-and-now, we begin to lose that eternal perspective. Be honest with yourself. What influenced your decisions yesterday or last week? Then strive to keep your homeland at the ending of your earthly life in mind and let the truth of eternity affect today’s choices.