Living For Eternity

Have you ever experienced a moment when eternity felt real?

Maybe it was standing at the bedside of a loved one, watching them take their final breath. Perhaps it was under a vast night sky, marveling at your own smallness in light of God’s greatness. Or maybe it was an unexpected whisper in your heart, reminding you that there is more to life than meets the eye.

Eternity has a way of breaking into our reality, shaking us out of our distractions, and pointing us to something far greater than ourselves.

David Brainerd, an 18th-century missionary, understood this well. Though he died at just 29 years old, his life was marked by a passion for God. In his suffering, he didn’t complain. Instead, he wrote in his journal, “I love to live on the brink of eternity.” Think about that—not dreading eternity, not running from it, but loving to live on its edge. Brainerd’s perspective challenges us to consider: Are we living in light of eternity? Or are we consumed by the distractions of the temporary?

The Apostle Paul offers us three practical ways to live with eternity in view, as outlined in Philippians 3:20-21. Let’s explore them together.

Paul begins by saying, “For our citizenship (conversation in Old English) is in heaven.” The word “citizenship” here isn’t about where you live; it’s about where you belong. As Christians, our true home isn’t here on earth. We are citizens of heaven, and that reality should shape how we live.

Years ago, my family hosted a foreign exchange student from Slovakia named Peter. From the moment he arrived, it was clear he wasn’t from around here. His mannerisms, the way he dressed, even the foods he ate—everything about him reflected his upbringing in another country. In the same way, our heavenly citizenship should set us apart. Our values, priorities, and perspectives should be noticeably different because we belong to God’s Kingdom.

Living as citizens of heaven means focusing on what lasts. The world tells us to chase wealth, fame, and success, but Colossians 3:2 reminds us to “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” When we live with eternity in view, our decisions, time, and energy are redirected toward what matters most in God’s Kingdom. Life is short, but eternity is long. Why spend all our energy on the fleeting, when the eternal is what truly matters?

Paul continues, saying we "look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:" This isn’t a passive waiting; it’s an active, eager anticipation. Think of a child waiting for their parent to come home, eyes glued to the window, bursting with excitement. That’s how we should wait for Jesus’ return.

But this anticipation isn’t just about looking forward; it’s about keeping our eyes on Jesus daily. Hebrews 12:2 urges us to look "unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” This kind of focus requires us to look away from distractions—our circumstances, trials, and worldly pursuits—and fix our gaze on Him.

When you’re stressed at work, remind yourself of God’s sovereignty. When relationships are difficult, look to Jesus’ example of grace and forgiveness. When the world’s temptations pull at you, remember the eternal rewards that await. As the old hymn says, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

Finally, Paul reminds us that Jesus “shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body." This promise of transformation is both physical and spiritual. One day, our aging, fragile, and imperfect bodies will be made new. No more pain, sickness, or weakness. Our bodies will be like Jesus’ resurrected body—glorious and eternal.

But this transformation isn’t just external. Our hearts and minds will also be fully conformed to Christ. Imagine a life free from temptation, sin, and inner conflict. Every thought and desire aligned perfectly with God’s will. That’s the future awaiting us.

And here’s the best part: this transformation isn’t something we achieve on our own. It’s a promise secured by Jesus’ power. As Paul writes, “he is able even to subdue all things to Himself.” The same power that raised Jesus from the dead will transform us. It’s not a matter of if but when.

As we conclude, let’s reflect on the profound reality of eternity. Life is short—a fleeting moment in the grand timeline of forever. Yet, every choice we make in this brief life carries eternal significance. How we live today shapes how we will experience eternity.

So, ask yourself: Are you living in the light of eternity? Are your priorities aligned with God’s Kingdom? Remember your heavenly citizenship—you belong to a place far greater than this world. Keep your eyes on Jesus—He is your guide and sustainer. And anticipate your transformation—a glorious future awaits when all things will be made new.