Living with Eternal Perspective
Scripture: “O you who put far away the day of doom and bring near the seat of violence!” Amos 6.3
“But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.'” Luke 16.25
Main Point: The Holy Spirit transforms our perspective to see beyond temporal circumstances to eternal realities.
Amos condemns those who “put far away the day of doom”—people who live as if there will never be a reckoning, never an accounting, never a judgment day. They arrange their lives around the assumption that earthly comfort and success are the ultimate goals.
Abraham’s words to the rich man reveal the temporary nature of earthly circumstances: “you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now…” That phrase “but now” marks the great reversal when temporal gives way to eternal.
Our culture is obsessed with comfort, success, and material security, just like the people Amos confronted. We’re constantly bombarded with messages that happiness comes through acquiring more, achieving more, experiencing more. But the Holy Spirit works in us a completely different perspective.
The Spirit helps us see that earthly circumstances—whether comfortable or difficult—are temporary. He shapes our hearts to value what lasts forever: our relationship with God, the souls of people around us, the character He’s building in us through trials and blessings alike.
This eternal perspective doesn’t make us indifferent to earthly needs or responsibilities. Instead, it reorders our priorities. We still work diligently, care for our families, and enjoy God’s good gifts. But we hold them lightly, use them wisely, and never mistake them for our ultimate treasure.
The Spirit enables us to live as pilgrims passing through this world rather than settlers trying to build our permanent home here. This brings tremendous freedom and peace, knowing that our true citizenship is in heaven.
Reflection: In what ways is the Holy Spirit challenging you to hold earthly blessings more lightly while investing more deeply in eternal treasures?
Prayer: Holy Spirit, give us eternal perspective. Help us hold temporal things lightly while treasuring what lasts forever. In Christ’s name. Amen.
Responses