Question 334: How should you live in light of eternity?

Answer:

I should live in light of eternity by walking in faith, holiness, and hope, knowing that this life is temporary and that I will give account to God. I am called to seek the kingdom first, store up treasures in heaven, and live as a pilgrim on earth, preparing for the return of Christ. This eternal perspective shapes my daily choices, strengthens me in suffering, and moves me to love and serve others for the glory of God. (Matthew 6:19–21, 2 Corinthians 4:17–18, Hebrews 12:1–2, 1 Peter 1:13–15, Philippians 3:20)

Full Scripture References

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:19–21 (BSB)

“For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17–18 (BSB)

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” – Hebrews 12:1–2 (BSB)

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. Set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” – 1 Peter 1:13–15 (BSB)

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 3:20 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

To live in light of eternity is to live with the end in mind. It means recognizing that this world is not our final home and that every moment matters in the light of Christ’s return and the life to come. Bishop Charlie Masters (ANiC, Diocese of the Living Word) writes, “The Christian life is not just about surviving this world—it is about preparing for the next. Eternity gives meaning to every sacrifice and significance to every act of faith.” (Pilgrims with a Purpose, 2022)

An eternal perspective changes how we endure suffering and how we approach joy. Fr. Isaac Rehberg (ACNA, All Saints San Antonio, TX) explains, “Our present sorrows are not the whole story. They are birth pangs of the glory to come. The Christian lives in hope because eternity is already written into his soul.” (Living Toward Glory, 2021)

Living in light of eternity also compels us to holiness and mission. Fr. Caleb Evans (Anglican Orthodox Church, St. Stephen’s Mission, GA) teaches, “To fix your eyes on eternity is to loosen your grip on sin and comfort. We live each day as those preparing to see Jesus face to face. That transforms how we love, how we forgive, and how we speak of Him to others.” (The Eternal Mindset, 2020)

The Church trains us for eternal life. Worship, the sacraments, Scripture, and community all shape us into citizens of heaven while we still walk on earth. Fr. Thomas Buchan (Anglican Union, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, VA) notes, “Every Sunday is a rehearsal for eternity. The habits of worship are the habits of the redeemed—training us to hunger not for the world, but for the world to come.” (Liturgy and the Life Beyond, 2021)

Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) adds, “When you live with eternity in view, time becomes a gift, not a burden. You steward your days as a trust from God, and you live now in light of forever.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

“Let us live each day as if it were our last—not in dread, but in diligence, knowing that we soon shall see the Lord.” – Augustine of Hippo, Sermon on the End, c. 410 AD

“Lift your heart above the world, for your home is above. Let your life now reflect the light of what is to come.” – Basil the Great, Homily on the Christian Life, c. 370 AD

“He who lives with heaven in view will not cling to the earth. He walks in humility, labors in hope, and dies in peace.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on Philippians 3, c. 390 AD

“Let eternity guide your choices, for what is seen is passing. Only the love of God endures forever.” – Cyprian of Carthage, On the Hope of the Righteous, c. 250 AD