One Trait at a Time: Don’t Forget Eternity

Wisdom Scripture

Isaiah 28:29 (NIV)

“All this also comes from the Lord Almighty,
whose plan is wonderful,
whose wisdom is magnificent.”

Wisdom Quote

Did seeking wisdom keep us from the tree of life (Gen. 2–3), or is wisdom itself a tree of life (Prov. 3:13–18)?[1]

[1] Vanhoozer, Kevin J. et al., eds. Dictionary for theological interpretation of the Bible 2005:844. Print.

Don’t Forget Eternity

The rewards of growing more like Jesus extend not only to this life but also to the next. Changing your character today changes your eternity tomorrow.

Paul encouraged his younger associate Timothy to grow in godliness with this promise:

1 Timothy 4:7–8
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

God promises eternal rewards—figuratively, “crowns”—for those who are faithful. How you live today impacts your eternity (Matthew 16:27; 1 Corinthians 9:25).

Get fired up to change, because as you develop your character, you will benefit both now and in the eternal new creation.

From looking up and looking in, shift your gaze outward. Your transformation is about more than you. When you grow to become like Christ, you impact everyone around you, especially your family.

We will explore more next week.