“Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity.” ~ Sean O'Casey

We are but vapors in the wind. We are all flowers quickly fading. We are only pilgrims passing through earth’s time into another realm. Time here is zero compared to all of eternity. What is our goal? What is our mission?

So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:9-10

Most of you have probably seen the movie Beauty and the Beast, which depicts a story of a handsome prince who becomes a ferocious beast because of a lack of love. The beast’s time clock is an enchanted rose, of which he has to pay great heed. His mission is to fall in love before the last petal falls. If he fails, the curse will never be broken.

Now, think of our lives as a beautiful elegant rose. Job 14:2 says, “We blossom like a flower and then wither. Like a passing shadow, we quickly disappear.” Each soft petal that wilts and falls to the ground is every year that slips through our fingers. And our assignment, unlike the beast, is to seek to please the Lord in everything we do, say, and think. 2 Corinthians 4:18—"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." We are challenged in the Scriptures to embrace an eternal mindset. What we do on this earth will be revealed in full at the judgment seat. We have to make every moment count. We have to live our lives in perspective of time without end. Our finite minds cannot seek to wrap themselves around such a mind-blowing concept!

We, as Christians, can leave an impact on someone that will either drive them to the cross or from the cross. Whether it is the result of an arrogant attitude, or from an act of unconditional love, we have the capacity to leave a lasting impression. Whatever the case may be, we have the power to bring life or death in any situation.

Deuteronomy 30:19: This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.

Thus, I encourage you to allow yourself to be driven by eternity, to look at your life through rose colored glasses, to remember that your life is but a flower quickly fading. I urge you, dear ones, to consent to being propelled by the love and fear of the Lord. Love, protecting you from the pit of legalism, and fear, protecting you from the pit of lawlessness. Our journey is a straight and narrow path. Make it your mission to run with endurance, to pace yourself with patience, and to complete your race with perseverance. Make it your goal to run and not give up!

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:36

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12

By Stephanie