3 Ways to Prepare for the Promise of Eternal Life - The Crosswalk Devotional - August 14

3 Ways to Prepare for the Promise of Eternal Life
By Lynette Kittle

“And this is what He promised us—eternal life” - 1 John 2:25

Are you living for the here and now? If so, you’re not alone. Everyday life has a way of leading us off track because needs are real, and everything around us is urging us to stock up, build up, and take care of things.

Providing for our daily needs, along with the needs of our family and friends, can feel overwhelming at times. It can consume our thoughts and most of our time, even give us sleepless nights by interrupting our rest and causing us to worry about the future. But we don’t need to worry about what’s to come because God has promised us eternal life with Him. Because God always keeps His promises, our future is secure and a sure thing.

3 Ways to Prepare for Eternal Life
The following are three ways we can prepare for eternal life.

1. Share Christ with those around us.
Because life doesn’t end at the grave, as many believe, we can tell all who will hear that God sent His only Son to save us and how Jesus lived, died, and resurrected so that we can have eternal life. Although we can’t bring land, houses, cars, jewelry, and more with us to eternal life, we can tell the truth about God’s gracious gift to as many people as possible. Even though they can’t come because of us or on our coattails, we are, in a way bringing those who believe with us by sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with them. James 5:20 explains,

“Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”

2. Give generously, as much as possible.
Even if we don’t feel confident enough to tell others, we can give generously to organizations and ministries who reach out and share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the world. 2 Corinthians 9:11 explains how

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

Jesus urges us to “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38).”

3. Live rightly and help others choose righteousness, too.
Choosing to live rightly comes with rewards. Ephesians 6:8 describes how, “Because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. Some think God doesn’t really care how we live out our days on earth, but Romans 14:12 explains,

“So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”

God not only cares but is going to ask us about our lives. By choosing to live rightly, we can look forward to hearing God say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23). Living rightly also influences those others around us to live right, too, whether we realize it or not. In Luke 17:1, Jesus warns us about being careless in how we live because of how it might cause others who see us to stumble.“Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come.’”

Intersecting Faith and Life:
If you’re overly focused on living in the here and now, ask God to help you prepare for eternal life through sharing Christ with those around you, generously giving to help spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to as many people as you can, and to live rightly so that men and women will be influenced to live rightly, too.

Further Reading:
Are We Busy Looking for Heaven on Earth?

Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.