10 Ways to Focus on Eternity

Whether you have a long time left on earth or a short time—and only God knows—it’s always the right time to focus on eternity. God wants us to fix our eyes on the “unseen” things above and long for a “better country—a heavenly one” (2 Corinthians 4:18; Colossians 3:2; Hebrews 11:16).

A lab report just indicated that my disease, multiple myeloma (cancer of the plasma cells) has returned. I will begin therapies, but I know they will likely not lengthen my life as much as I desire.

Yet my heart is full, knowing God has been preparing my heart for this for at least a year. Here are some perspectives I’ve had and approaches I’ve taken that have helped me focus on eternity. If you are struggling with some “hard news” today, perhaps these thoughts will help you focus, too.

1. AIM BEYOND TODAY

• Set your heart on eternity, where you’ll someday live in God’s presence. He gives us many blessings to enjoy on earth, but our focus must be on “things above.” (Colossians 3:1-2)
• Invest in treasures in heaven. Earthly riches and accolades are temporal. (Matthew 6:19-20)
• Aspire to live according to God’s Word, which will last forever. (Mark 13:31)

2. PRIORITIZE GOD’S PRESENCE

• Desire God and His presence above all else. He will be your “rock,” your strength, and ultimate inheritance. His presence will satisfy your soul. (Psalm 73:25-26)
• Count on God to be with you from now through eternity. He’s with you everywhere! He will never leave or forsake you. (Joshua 1:9; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5)
• Learn to rest in God’s presence. Just as He brought the Israelites into the promised land, He will bring you safely to Heaven. Abide in the Lord. (Exodus 33:14; John 15:4-5)

3. INTENSIFY YOUR COMMITMENT

• Commit your way to God. Trust Him wholeheartedly. Anticipate that He will work on your behalf. (Psalm 37:5; Proverbs 16:3)
• Let your heart be wholly devoted to Him. Boost and strengthen your commitment. (1 Kings 8:61)
• Actively love the Lord with your total being—your heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:30)

4. PURSUE GOD’S GLORY

• Remember that believers were created for God’s glory.  (Isaiah 43:7; Romans 11:36; Ephesians 1:3-6)
• Acknowledge that glory is due to God. Worship Him. (Psalm 29:2; Romans 11:36)
• Glorify God in everyday actions. Let your light shine so people will praise God. (Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17)

5. PONDER BIBLICAL WISDOM

• Fear God. To fear God is to have deep awe of Him, profound reverence, and high respect for His power and holiness. It means taking His commands seriously and turning away from foolish, sinful choices. Fearing God is the starting point for wisdom. (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7)
• Remember that everyone is “terminal.” Your time on earth is limited. Remembering this can help you grow in wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)
• Value wisdom and insight. They are gifts from God and far more valuable than material wealth. (Proverbs 16:16)
• Stop leaning on your own understanding. Trust God, and live according to a biblical perspective. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

6. EVALUATE YOUR VALUES

• Be sure God’s kingdom and righteousness are your priority. He knows what you need; ask and trust Him. (Matthew 6:33)
• Value good character and humility in your walk with God. He loves you, and you have been set apart for His purposes. (Micah 6:8; Colossians 3:12)
• Value what matters—eternal treasures. Your life does not consist in an abundance of earthly possessions. Pursue the things that are everlasting and imperishable—enduring riches. (Matthew 16:19-20; Luke 12:15; 2 Corinthians 4:18; 1 Timothy 6:18-19)
• Check your relationships. Each one is precious. Value God first, and then others—family, friends, neighbors, and people God brings into your circle of concern. (Matthew 22:37-39; Proverbs 17:17)

7. EXAMINE MOTIVES AND DESIRES

• Remember: God knows your heart, which the Bible says is “deceitful.” He uses His Word to expose our thoughts and intentions. (Jeremiah 17:9-10; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Hebrews 4:12)
• Be sure your motives are pure. Someday, the purposes of our heart will be revealed. Prayers sometimes have wrong motives—prayer rooted in selfishness or driven by an unrighteous agenda. (Proverbs 16:2; 21:2; 1 Corinthians 4:5; James 4:3)
• Analyze your desires and whether they align with Scripture. Our desires can tempt us and cause us to sin. “Put on” Jesus and walk in the Spirit, and stop making plans to satisfy wrong desires. (Romans 13:14; Colossians; 3:5; Galatians 5:16-17; James 1:14-15)
• Beware of people-pleasing. (Psalm 19:14; Matthew 6:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:4)

8. EMPHASIZE FAITHFULNESS

• Hold fast to hope and confidence in God so you can stay faithful. (Hebrews 10:23, 35-37)
• Be faithful in the place where God has called you. Be faithful to assignments from Him, and in the role He has entrusted to you. (Matthew 25:21; Luke 16:10; 1 Corinthians 7:17)
• Stay faithful even in times of suffering. Your troubles bring passing distress, but they are producing an “eternal weight of glory.” (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

9. MAXIMIZE SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

• Practice serving others. God values servanthood. (Matthew 20:26)
• Stay steadfast in your work. Don’t be shaken by difficulties. Don’t get discouraged in doing good. Be continually aware that your labors are not futile or wasted; they are not without purpose. (1 Corinthians 15:58; Galatians 6:9)
• Keep the heavenly crowns in mind. Maximize your service, knowing that the Lord will reward you. (Matthew 25:23; Colossians 3:23-24). The crowns (awards) are for spiritual discipline and endurance (1 Corinthians 9:25), evangelism and soul-winning (1 Thessalonians 2:19), anticipation of Christ’s return (2 Timothy 4:8), perseverance through trials and persecution (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10), and, for church leaders, faithful shepherding (1 Peter 5:4). 

10. ANTICIPATE THE WONDERS OF HEAVEN

• Eagerly await the wonder of seeing your Savior. Anticipate being transformed to be like Him. Live with holy expectation. Allow the promise of the Lord’s return to lead you to purify your life. (Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 22:20; Titus 2:11-13; 2 Peter 3:11-14; 1 John 2:28; 3:2-3)
• Look forward to the beauty of heaven—the splendor of God’s dwelling place, where righteousness reigns forever. Anticipate the joy and pleasures in His presence. (Psalm 16:11; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 22:1-5)
• Long for your prepared home. Jesus is currently preparing it for you. (John 14:2-3; Hebrews 11:16)
• Rejoice in some absences of earthly burdens—sin, suffering, separations, and more. Anticipate this freedom! (Hebrews 12:22-24; Revelation 21:3-4, 27)
• Watch and be ready. The Bible says believers will be caught up together to meet the Lord in the air and will be changed in a moment’s time. Jesus will return to the earth soon; it is imminent; it could happen at any time. (Matthew 24:42; Mark 13:33; Luke 12:35-36; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 22:20)

Which of these points about an eternal focus might best help you face your trials, challenges, and struggles?

If your heart is hurting today, perhaps you might pray David’s prayer with me: “I will cry to you when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:21 NKJV). Our “Rock” is in heaven. He is a sure and steady refuge.

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