Women's Devotional: For Women, by WomenExemplo

Eternal Perspective

These verses from 2 Peter state clearly that earth’s time clock is ticking. The world as we know it will come to an end one day. It may or may not occur in our lifetime, but it will occur one day because God has promised that it will. The important question is: How are you going to live until then? How will you spend your days?

Perhaps you or someone dear to you has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, and you know their life is winding down. Suddenly your perspective has shifted. What once seemed important no longer seems quite so important. We begin to ask the question Peter asked in verse 11: “What kind of people ought you to be?” We return to the realization that our relationships should come first—our relationship with God, our relationships with our family members and with fellow believers, friends and co-workers.

Thinking about the end of the world can seem frightening or depressing, especially when the signs can’t be ignored: the deterioration of morality, growing violence and terrorism, unprecedented natural disasters, war, disease and famine throughout the earth. Watching the nightly news is enough to cause even the most optimistic woman to stay in bed and pull the covers over her head. The truth is that Peter is not asking us to dwell on end-time events but to consider how we will live our lives, right here, right now, while looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth.

How do we keep an eternal perspective while living on earth? Here are a few suggestions: Start each day by praying that God will use you for his purposes. Make it your ambition to please God in everything you do—whether you are packing your children’s lunches, running a company or volunteering at church. Each night, thank God for the opportunities he’s given you to serve him by serving others.

Living a holy and godly life not only ensures that you are at peace with God and with others; it also ensures that you are ready for whatever may come.

Reflection

• If you knew the world would end tomorrow, how would you reprioritize your life?
• How do you keep a positive outlook during discouraging times?
• How will you go about making your life more godly and holy as you look toward eternity?