We were asked to write an essay called “This I Believe” about what really matters to us, as preparation for this world missions adventure called the World Race. This is what I believe…….
I believe that we should live our lives like there is an eternal existence after we die.
I have written and even spoke about this before but eternity is something that drives every present day I live.
Let me explain a little more what I mean.
I believe I have an eternal soul. As do all the people in this world. And that these souls have eternal destinies either with or separated from God.
I believe the things I do and say echo in eternity.
I believe the Lord will hold me accountable to the amount of eternal effect I had with the time, talents, money and spiritual gifts he gave me.
– II Corinthians 5:10 – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that everyone may receive what is due them for the things they did while in the body, whether good or bad.”
I believe that Christ died for me so that I can have eternal life with him.
I believe the essence of eternity is knowing Jesus Christ.
–As he says in John 17:3, “Now this is eternal life; that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” The Joy and Love I have tasted in part, I will experience to its fullest when I am finally in the presence of my Savior.
I believe that Christ conquered death for all those who trust in him. And that my life should reflect that reality.
–I Corinthians 15:22 – “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive”
15:26 – “The last enemy to be destroyed is death.”
16:54-55 – “When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory’. “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?”
I believe that when my life ends only what I did for Christ will matter.
–Revelation 22:12 – “Look I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what they have done.”
I believe I can not take anything with me when I die.
I believe heaven is a real place. With real streets and real buildings. And that the next life will be far more real then this one.
I believe that I will be given a new, perfect body when I die.
–II Corinthians 5:1 – “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”
I believe that when I behold Jesus in all his glory I will finally feel complete.
–John 17:24- “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you have loved me before the creation of the world.”
In Light of all this I will live my life with Jesus as the center knowing he is Life, Love, Joy and Purpose. And I will beg the Lord to spill my life out completely for his kingdom and when I reach the end be able to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that through his power and for his glory my whole life was used to its fullest potential for His kingdom and His renown.
One last verse: II Corinthians 5:16-18 – “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal.“
If you feel so led, I ask you to leave a message declaring how you will live life in light of eternity…………
www.theworldrace.org.
www.adventuresinmissions.org
