Jesus replied, "I assure you that when the world is made new and the Son of Man sits upon his glorious throne, you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life. Matthew 6:28-29
As we think about fighting against bad habits, it is helpful to think about our lives with an eternal perspective. When we prioritize things that are eternal versus things that will pass away one day, it changes our thinking. We can better order our priorities and rearrange our habits, focusing on forming good habits, and getting rid of the bad habits we have formed. Understanding the importance of holding an eternal perspective, Jesus was sure to teach His followers that life was not about the things of Earth, but the things that will last through eternity.
Teaching His disciples about the things that are really significant, Jesus said to them in Matthew 6, "I assure you that when the world is made new and the Son of Man sits upon His glorious throne, you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life" (verses 28-29). As He spoke these words to His disciples, Jesus was teaching them that there was so much more beyond this life. They had eternal life ahead of them, and that meant that there would be great reward in Heaven, and the reward would not even compare to the heartache and suffering they faced on this Earth. What a promise to cling to!
What was true for Jesus' disciples then, is true for us today. If we are following Him, then our focus is eternity, not this Earth. Now, you probably know this to be true if you are a Christian, but do you really believe it and live out this truth in your daily life? You see, truly believing it and living it out realigns our priorities and our focus. It can even be a catalyst to pull us out of some of the bad habits we have found ourselves in. My friend, we have a far greater eternal future awaiting us than anything that this Earth has to offer. Our hope and future is eternal, and that, my friends brings hope, peace, and contentment beyond all circumstances.
Spend some time out in nature today. Go on a walk. As you breathe in fresh air, think about the promise we have that one day, God is going to restore everything and we will spend eternity in Heaven with Him. Thank Him for the hope of eternity that you have.
Read Matthew 6:16-30 (NLT)
“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
“Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is unhealthy, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!
“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
©2024 Sagebrush Church
