Of our focuses of the day, we often are concerned with what is in the here and now, what we can see, touch, and feel in this very moment, but as Christians, there is something broader that we ought to keep in mind. As Christians, it is not only what is important at this moment because we know that our time here on Earth is fleeting, and what is now is only temporary. The things of the Lord are what are eternal. Although it is very counter to culture and the commonplace of our typical mindsets, having an eternity mindset shifts how we view life and the present.
But a Breath
King Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 6:12 that life is like a breath or shadow; it quickly comes and goes. That can be fearsome because we tend to cling to what we have in the present and not want to let it go, but it is less daunting when we consider that through Christ, our lives are not limited to only this Earth. When we remind ourselves that through salvation in Christ, we ultimately will have life everlasting (John 3:15-16), we then can properly realize that this time on Earth is but a breath. What is important is that we treat the breath with value and consideration so as not to waste it, but instead to use it fully to its utmost and worth for the glory of the Lord.
When we hold firm that life is but a breath too, we realize that many of the worries we deplete our energy with are in themselves a waste of time. Luke 12:27-28 reminds us, “Consider how the wildflowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!” We spend so much time worrying about things of this life, but in keeping an eternity mindset, we realize that all things are in God’s hands. Moreover, if He cares for the flowers of the field, how much more will He care for us?
Impact on Future Generations
An eternity mindset also shifts the focus from what is now and what is just of us, opening our eyes to the reality of things to come. The actions we take here in the present all impact and affect the generations to come. Though it may not yield instant fruit, what you plant now in your own life will come forward for good or for bad in the future. In that heart and vein, consider in eternity mindset how your actions play an active role in the lives of those around you and in what is to come. Are you cultivating the fruits of the Spirit? Are you enriching your soul and heart with that which is of the Lord, or what is of the Earth? Your habits snowball over time, and that avalanche can be of the Spirit of God or the overwhelm of the Lord. Ask yourself what kind of legacy you want to leave for those who come after you; what matters to you that you pass on? What you leave behind on this Earth directly results from how you choose to live the life you were given.
Build Up Treasures in Heaven
Matthew 6:19-20 is a powerful verse in the spectrum and a reminder of eternity. It states clearly, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on Earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” What are you building up with your life? Because every life is building something, whether that is treasure that is upon this Earth or treasure in Heaven above. Your choices now have a lasting impact not only upon future generations, but upon your own future in the context of eternity as well.
This is why the work of our hands and hearts should be intentionally done now, not for show, accolades, or praise from others, but in all ways and things in the honoring and glorification of the Lord. When you have an intimate relationship with the Lord, you learn to hear Him communicate more clearly. It becomes second nature to build up the things of the Kingdom of Heaven because you are less concerned with yourself and more concerned with obeying and honoring God and the assignments He invites you into to carry out in His Name.
An eternity mindset gears the heart and mind to build up what an earthly mindset could never obtain: lasting fruit. Ask the Lord what this looks like in your life, and step confidently forward in what He leads you into—knowing that allowing Him to lead will water the garden of your eternal life in a way that ultimately honors and glorifies Him, the only One deserving of such praise.
Kingdom Heart
An eternity mindset is one of a Kingdom heart. It is an age-old question of why man was put on the Earth and what every life holds in value to this planet. In the end, the answer is the same for each person, to live out the life they were destined to live and ultimately love and serve the Lord. It is up to each person if they choose to love and serve the Lord, but a Kingdom heart does just that. A Kingdom heart is less concerned with oneself and more about how their life can be used as an ambassador and beacon of light for God Himself. For some, that may be the call to have influence and a voice in the world, and if that is the case, what a beautiful and heavy mantle at times to carry out for the Lord. For others, it is raising up the next generation so that they may know the Lord. And for some, it is standing firmly in the quiet assurance that God is exactly who He says He is and doing so unashamedly. Whatever the calling upon your life may be, keep a Kingdom heart that you may live out this life fully to the highest and best you can for God Himself.
Closing Thoughts
An eternity mindset is a gift in a world of instant and quickly passing fads. It reminds us that as great or as dismal as things are on this side of the veil, it is only for a little while. But that which we cultivate and grow on this side impacts the future generations on this Earth and our lives on the other side of death. Will you choose to live a life to honor God or yourself? Only you can make that choice and decision.
Cally Logan is an author and US History teacher from Richmond, Virginia. Her works have been featured on "The 700 Club Interactive," “Jesus Calling Blog,” and “Coffee and Bible Time,” among several notable outlets. She served as a mentor for young women for several years and enjoys challenging women to develop deeper relationships with God and to live fearlessly and authentically. She received her B.A. Degree from Regent University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time in nature, having genuine chats over coffee, and woodworking. Her new book, The Wallflower That Bloomed, is available everywhere now. Connect with Cally: @CallyLogan Instagram CallyLogan.com