Rooted in this type of thinking is the belief that this life is short and time is running out. An absent awareness of eternity leads to fearful daily living. We fear missing out on relationships, experiences, enjoyments, so we rush along with the tide seeking more and more from the things of the earth. When our pursuits fail to produce the happiness we are longing for, we simply go on to the next thing. We know we are thirsty, but the more we seek refreshment, the more we find ourselves weary and worn.

“Carpe diem.” “Live life to the fullest.” “Make every moment count.” “Eat, drink and be merry.”

Phrases like these surround us, pushing and prodding us to squeeze the most out of every moment. Like a dangerous undertow, these thoughts have the power to drag us into the depths of worldliness, swept away by cultural tides and currents. When our hope rests in temporal pleasures and earthly gains, it naturally overflows into a life of self-centered living.

Get more. Be more. Do more. Make your own rules and follow your heart. Let no one get in your way.

Rooted behind this type of thinking is the belief that this life is short and time is running out. An absent awareness of eternity leads to fearful daily living. We fear missing out on relationships, experiences, enjoyments, so we rush along with the tide seeking more and more from the things of the earth. When our pursuits fail to produce the happiness we are longing for, we simply go on to the next thing. We know we are thirsty, but the more we seek refreshment, the more we find ourselves weary and worn.

We’re like a woman standing by the ocean, desperate for a drink. In her attempt to alleviate her thirst, she consumes the water before her. By doing so, she finds herself increasingly thirsty. If she continues to drink she will ultimately die by the very thing she hoped to give her refreshment. While the ocean is good, beautiful, and enjoyable, it is unable to quench her thirst. It is unable to satisfy because it was not created to do so.

Thomas a Kempis explained, “You cannot find complete satisfaction in any temporal gift, because you were not created to find your delight in them. Even if you possessed all the good things God has created, you could not feel happy and glad; all your gladness and happiness rest in the God who created those things.”

When we live a life focused on temporary pleasures, we can only expect temporary happiness. In contrast, by living for that which is eternal, we find purpose and joy in our daily life. We have a home that is waiting and an inheritance coming. It’s imperishable, unfading, and undefiled. It’s safe.

Read More