“Developing An Eternal Perspective”

Tuesday, March 05, 2024

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. (Hebrews 11:13)

Several years ago I was working with a prospect having serious problems with alcohol.  Several studies led them to baptism.  However, it was not long after their baptism that old habits raised their ugly head.  The result was two years of trying to counsel this person in how to overcome their addiction.  

There were times when things went smoothly for this person.  However, there were moments when they would confess:  “I messed up again”.  Then they would ask:  “Why do I keep messing up?”  Ultimately, the decision to abstain from the world or to yield to temptation is a faith issue.

I encouraged this new Christian to develop daily habits that would help them with their addiction.  Habits such as daily Bible reading, daily prayer, and frequent connection with someone “spiritual” (Galatians 6:1) to whom they were accountable can benefit the addict.  Learning to stay away from places where they are tempted, and staying busy with things that are productive is also helpful.  But, if one is to really change, they must change their perspective.  They must develop a heavenly perspective!

The heavenly perspective means we must learn to deny ourselves.  (Galatians 2:20)  Self-denial is hard.  How does one say “no” to self in a world that says “no” to nothing?  Jesus provides an answer.

In Luke 9:19 Jesus asked his disciples: “who do you say that I am?" (Luke 9:20)
Peter answered and said, "The Christ of God." (Luke 9:20)  Thoughts of Jesus being the anointed of God may have prompted thoughts of exaltation and glory.  However, this was not to be the fate of Jesus: "The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day." (Luke 9:22)   Jesus followed this prediction by saying: "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. (Luke 9:23)   The very life of Jesus was the model of true discipleship.  The cost is high, but we must learn to deny our self.

The heavenly perspective also includes saying “yes” to God’s final reward.  It is easier to have a greater confidence in the tangible (the bottle of alcohol) than in an invisible heaven.  We are so easily motivated by what we touch and feel- by instant gratification. The true disciple embraces (Hebrews 11:13) and seeks (Hebrews 11:14) a home they’ve never seen.  Thus, gratification is deferred for the moment.  They acknowledge they are sojourners in this world.  For the time being they must endure the pain and wait for heavenly bliss.

Paul says:  For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)  What about you?  Do you believe?

By George Slover

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