How does my knowing about heaven affect my life now? - Heaven/Eternal Life - TouchPoints

2 Corinthians 4:17For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!

God determined that how you live during your short time on earth should prepare you for heaven. This gives purpose to life, perspective on your troubles, and anticipation for the unique role God has planned for you in eternity.

Philippians 1:6And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

The key to perseverance on earth is having a clear view of heaven. When you see clearly where you are going, you can endure the hardships along the road.

Mark 8:36-37“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?”

Luke 12:15-21Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” . . . “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

1 Corinthians 2:9“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

If the rewards of this earthly life were the only things to live for, then a “why bother” attitude would be understandable. But there are two reasons why this perspective is mistaken. First, when you try to obey God, you put yourself in position to enjoy life the way it is meant to be enjoyed. Your relationships are more fulfilling, your life has integrity, you find joy in serving others and bettering your world, and your conscience is clear. Second, this life is not all there is. The Bible is very clear that those who trust Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sin receive the promise of eternal life. Your faithfulness in this life may or may not result in material prosperity, but the rewards in heaven will be more than you could ever imagine.

Mark 8:34-35“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.”

Galatians 5:24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.

When you are absolutely convinced that Jesus died on the cross to spare you from eternal punishment and to give you the free gift of eternal life, then the troubles of this world are put in perspective. You know that your future—for all eternity—is secure. This gives you peace no matter what happens in this life, and it changes the way you react to life’s troubles and trials. Your sinful nature no longer controls you; you are free to live as God wants you to live.

1 Thessalonians 5:18Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

John 11:25“I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.”

You should be neither too elated when earthly things go well nor too distressed when they fail, because you know that the best of this life is just a shadow of what is to come.