On the eve of one year ending and another about to begin we must take a deep breath of perspective. The media would have us look back at names and faces thought by the world to have been important. Indeed some probably were, but how did they impact our eternity? Did they point the way to faith, hope and love? Many may have mentioned the name Jesus Christ in thank you speeches while collecting accolades, but did they live like they really knew Him.
When we take our own inventory of this past year, can we call to mind those who truly impacted our very eternity? Can you see the names and faces of those who took the time to invest in us with their time, love and hope? The better question to ask is how much we were able to give to others in time, love and hope?
Such an inventory offers perspective but only a small one. True perspective takes our eyes off of our own achievements and simply focuses on the One who gave all. Jesus asks for our love and even gives us the ability. (1 John 4:19 We love Him because He first loved us.) His love overflows enough for our neighbors. This means to love without expectation, acknowledgment or acceptance. Can we love without anyone in this world standing there to pat us on the back? Time for another deep breath of perspective; in the year before us we will have the opportunity to invest and impact the eternity of all around us.
From Mark 12:30-31 (NIV) Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.… Love your neighbor as yourself