In Part 4 of The Money Grid: Comfort vs Kingdom, we explored the tension between a world obsessed with comfort and the quiet call of God’s Kingdom. Now, in Part 5, we take the next step. We’re asking ourselves: Are we living for the Earth or for Eternity?
Many live as though this life is all there is, chasing after the next bigger, better thing. But if we’re not careful, we fall into a trap. We start living as if this world is the end, forgetting that our true home is eternal, unseen, and far beyond anything this life can offer.
What does scripture say?
18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18
God’s Word speaks clearly on this. We’re not called to fix our eyes on what is temporary but to live with an eternal mindset.
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
When we live focused only on what we can see, such as our homes, our possessions, our careers, then we’re missing the bigger picture. The comforts we cling to here are like sand slipping through our fingers.
“You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” James 4:14
Jesus’ words challenge us to shift our priorities. Earthly treasures fade, but when we invest in God’s Kingdom through generosity, serving others, and faithfully stewarding our resources, those rewards last forever. Our treasure in Heaven is secure.
Our lives are a mist, a vapor
In the book of James, the Bible teaches us that our lives on earth are a mist, a vapor. Compared to all eternity, our time on earth is very, very short. With this in mind, our focus shouldn’t be on earthly things, earthly comforts and pleasures, but rather on what will last forever. If we truly believe that life beyond the grave is forever, it makes logical sense for that to be our priority.
At the same time, the Bible teaches us that we have the unique opportunity to invest our earthly resources, such as our time, money, and possessions for an eternal reward: treasures in Heaven that will never fade. How incredible is that? Nothing in this life can fully satisfy the deep longing we all have for meaning and purpose. Only Jesus can. In His wisdom, He invites us to invest in something that will last forever: Heavenly treasures. Every sacrifice we make for Jesus on earth is never in vain, and no amount of moth or rust can touch the eternal rewards He promises.
What’s holding you back?
So what holds us back from fixing our eyes on eternity? What are some reasons we struggle to live with an eternal perspective?
- We don’t believe Heaven is really as good as Jesus says it will be. Sometimes we struggle to imagine eternity. We get caught up in the here and now, and Heaven feels distant, abstract.
- We love our lives and comforts on earth too much to give them up. This could be financial security, a luxurious lifestyle, or even the ease of familiarity. It’s hard to give up comfort.
- We trust in money more than we trust in God. Money gives the illusion of control. We think, “As long as I have enough, I’m secure.” True security is found only in God, who promises to provide for our every need.
- We care about what others think about us. The status that comes from having and demonstrating wealth is difficult to give up. Stepping away from this pursuit can feel like a social risk.
Shifting Our Perspective
Think about eternity, really think about it. A place where pain, suffering, and evil no longer exist. A place of perfect peace and joy. As Christians, that’s where we’re headed, and when we let that reality sink in, it changes everything. It changes how we see our resources and how we live our lives here.
When we look at life through the lens of eternity, suddenly, the pressure to “get it all now” loses its grip on us. We can live generously. We can live purposefully. We can live with a joy that doesn’t come from things we own but from the knowledge that we’re investing in something that lasts forever.
Final thoughts
This is what we call the Money Grid. If we can see our money and possessions through the four lenses discussed over this five-part series, we will be able to live wisely, joyously, purposely, generously and eternally.
In conclusion, here is great quote from Chuck Swindoll
Money can buy medicine, but not health.
Money can buy a house, but not a home.
Money can buy companionship, but not friends.
Money can buy entertainment, but not happiness.
Money can buy food, but not an appetite.
Money can buy a bed, but not sleep.
Money can buy a crucifix, but not a Savior.
Money can buy the good life, but not eternal life.To help you put these principles into practice, see our 5-day Money Grid Bible Plan, now available on YouVersion for free.
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