Immortality: More thoughts begun by Lewis

  If our mortality can be counted in decades and eternity cannot even be counted in millenia, then each day here is successful only as it counts for eternity.  Thus, it is vital to consider how we spend our days.  It seems discouraging though, for most of our life is spent upon the mundane: eating, working, sleeping, household cleanings, playing games, etc.  Yet, the key is not to change our activities, but to ensure that our aim is godliness in each activity, whether mundane or exciting.  For godliness has promise not just for this life, but also for the coming life (1 Tim. 4:7-8).  Thus, while Paul specifically limits the value of physical, bodily training, even that may be of eternal value if practiced in godliness.  I think of a friend who ministered in Russia and used the fitness room as a place to make gospel contacts.

  And what of the gospel and eternity?  What is the aim of the gospel except to see souls come to love and serve God and join His community, the Church? This is key since, of the three human institutions which God established, only the Church will last forever.  Earthly government will be overcome by the Kingdom of our God.  Earthly family relationships will be done away with, as Jesus made plain.  Thus, our highest investments for eternity will be those that are made for eternity, investments in God's Church, His Kingdom, His family.  May we structure every relationship on this earth for that eternal glory.

James 4:14b - What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.

1 Corinthians 15:54 - When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

Psalm 90:10, 12 - The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away... So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Matthew 16:26 - For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
(KJV & ESV)