ECHOING IN ETERNITY

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10

In the film, Gladiator, Maximus Decimus Meridius, leading his troops into battle, declared, "What we do in life echoes in eternity."

That is a true statement. What we do in life echoes in eternity. We act as though everything that can be done must be done during our life on earth, and we must do all that we can with our time, abilities, and resources.

There is a great element of truth to that, because we certainly don't want to waste our lives.

And when life is cut short or hindered by a disability or an illness, when a child—or a young man or a young woman dies, it is a big loss.

Each life should be lived to the full to the glory of God. But there are people who live wicked lives, who do nothing with what God has given them and opposed God in every way—even doing damage with their lives.

Those who live godless and selfish lives are considered blessed in our present society.

The end now justifies the means. They say to themselves, 'let's eat and drink, tomorrow we die."

Why do we think that way? Because we think all that will happen will happen in this life, and then it is over.

But that is not what the Bible teaches. The Bible teaches that life goes on, and God will judge our every action.

We must remember that death is not the end of life but a continuation of it in eternity.

We will appear before the judgment seat of God, and each of us will be rewarded according to our works.

Whatever sacrifices you are making for God's kingdom will be made up to you.

God will not be your debtor. I am completely confident that on that final day, you will recognize that it was worth it all.

Prayer: Lord, help me to live for eternity.

Scriptural Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:1-11