If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. –1 Corinthians 15:19

Living a life of a follower of Christ is beneficial for the here and now. He teaches that we can live a radical life full of love, mercy, grace, forgiveness, generosity, justice, purpose, integrity, and honor. That’s why, when a person truly puts into effect the teachings of Christ, he or she cannot help to live a better life. Such a person will enjoy benefits relationally because everyone in that person’s life will naturally respond the change in character. The person will also benefit financially, because to be a follower of Christ is to be excellent in all we do, and excellence in our work always translates into financial reward. This person will benefit emotionally because he or she is no longer riding on the waves of external circumstances, but instead is standing on the steady rock of God’s guidance and love.

While these are all good things, Paul says if that’s all we get from Christ we are pitiful. If only for this life we follow Christ, we miss out on the wonder, power, and purpose of Jesus. Here’s why: we weren’t made only for this life. We were made for eternity. We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience. Being spiritual, we lose out when we look to Christ only for what He can do in the here and now. If our sights aren’t set on eternity we will never live for eternity.

Praise God, Christ is much more than the here and now. He is the past, the present, and the future. He was before the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. He is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. He is all in all and in Him all is held together. Because of Him, those who follow Him live in confidence of eternity instead of fear.

Thank you, Jesus, for being and ever-present help in times of trouble, but may you be ever praised because you have opened the door to eternity for us.