Looking Forward

But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth He has promised, a world filled with God's righteousness. (2 Peter 3:13 NLT)

Everything changes when we look at this life in light of eternity.  Suddenly, working for today isn't the highest priority.  We know that we need to work by the sweat of our brow, but it isn't our highest priority.

"Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God." Then, turning to His disciples, Jesus said, "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. (Luke 12:21-23 NLT)

Taking care of ourselves physically is important so we are ready and useful for God's call in our lives, but it's not the highest priority of our day.

"Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come." (1 Timothy 4:8 NLT)

Suddenly, our highest priorities in this life start to become those things that prepare us (and those around us) for the next.  A beautiful house starts to look like beautiful kindling.  A high-performance vehicle suddenly starts to become a high-performance hunk of metal that will also melt away.  Things in this life only take on value to the extent that they help us walk with God and help bring others into that walk.  Otherwise, they are not useful.

In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. (2 Timothy 2:20-21 NLT)

Go ahead.  Live your day today, but not for today.  Live today looking forward to the day we are together with Him forever.  It will make all the difference.