Hope – An Investment In Eternity
I read an article in Forbes magazine with the title, “Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have.” The article went on, “if you dress more like the peer group you aspire to, and less like the one you are in, you are sending a powerful signal that you belong in that group.” To bring that back to our reflections on the nature of hope, what we aspire to be or do in the future, our hope, expresses itself in the way we conduct ourselves in the present. We live now in the light of our future.
We can place our hope in the things that define success in the eyes of those around us. The possibilities are many, but one example used in the bible is wealth. The bible doesn’t deny the importance or necessity of money, or that we can do a lot of good with it, but the reality is that if becoming wealthy is our greatest goal, that desire will shape the way we treat others in the present. We will be tempted to use and exploit them to achieve our goal. “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires…” (1 Tim. 6:9). Remember, the practical outworking of a hope driven life is that what we aspire to be or do in the future is expressed in the way we conduct ourselves in the present. What’s more, in the big scheme of things, the value of financial success is finite. “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Tim. 6:7).
What is the alternative? I propose that we apply two evaluative criteria to our deepest desires. Does the object of our hope have infinite rather than finite value and are its inevitable effects on the present moment positive rather than negative. The bible makes this suggestion for a life goal. “Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Tim. 6:12). Eternal life speaks of a life lived in God’s presence. It’s not finite, but extends beyond our time in this world. And the characteristics of this future life cannot help but make the present moment better. “Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness” (1 Tim. 6:11).
Is your “one thing,” your hope, an investment in eternity?
Neil Percival
We can place our hope in the things that define success in the eyes of those around us. The possibilities are many, but one example used in the bible is wealth. The bible doesn’t deny the importance or necessity of money, or that we can do a lot of good with it, but the reality is that if becoming wealthy is our greatest goal, that desire will shape the way we treat others in the present. We will be tempted to use and exploit them to achieve our goal. “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires…” (1 Tim. 6:9). Remember, the practical outworking of a hope driven life is that what we aspire to be or do in the future is expressed in the way we conduct ourselves in the present. What’s more, in the big scheme of things, the value of financial success is finite. “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Tim. 6:7).
What is the alternative? I propose that we apply two evaluative criteria to our deepest desires. Does the object of our hope have infinite rather than finite value and are its inevitable effects on the present moment positive rather than negative. The bible makes this suggestion for a life goal. “Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (1 Tim. 6:12). Eternal life speaks of a life lived in God’s presence. It’s not finite, but extends beyond our time in this world. And the characteristics of this future life cannot help but make the present moment better. “Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness” (1 Tim. 6:11).
Is your “one thing,” your hope, an investment in eternity?
Neil Percival