I was singing along with Matthew West’s “The Light of Eternity” moments ago, and even though I’ve probably sung the song dozens of times before, it really hit me this time.
In the song, West sings about holding his life up to, well, the light of eternity; in other words, because he knows his life today will affect his life in eternity, how should he be living his life?
It is a question we all must answer, for everyone of us will have our works judged by the Lord Yahweh — whether we’re small or great, whether our works are good or evil.
“Am I doing anything that will last?” West asks.
Go ahead; ask yourself that same question. Will anything last? Or will your works burn up like wood, hay, and stubble when tried by fire at the judgment?
Now, mind you, I’m not saying that those things we spend our times on are sinful. Enjoying Romeo & Juliet, for instance, most likely isn’t a sin (I’m sure there are some out there who may disagree), but the question isn’t one of a dichotomy between “sin & sacred.” Rather, the question is a dichotomy between that which will last into eternity and that which is, for all intents & purposes, a waste of our most precious time.
It seems to me that most of what is cultural and popular will simply burn away into ash at the judgment. With that thought, the song ends with the agreement that if God gives twenty-four hours within which to live, that time will be given right back to Him in doing that which will persist into eternity.
I’m not going to come up with a big list of “You must give these things up because they’re ‘flammable'”; rather, I want to encourage you to examine your own lives in the light of eternity. While all things are lawful, not all things are expedient, Paul says. Whatever you decide, be convinced in your own mind, and certainly don’t judge others who take a different position.
God bless.
That is the message that I have been having to learn as of lately, hence why I decided to give up some things from my life. Although, it didn’t come by way of song. ^_^