In his classic book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis writes—

“If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next.”

I pray you take this truth to heart today. A genuine hope in the joy to come fuels a life of impact.

The cross is the door to the life you will have forever in heaven. But it is also the power for the life you’re called to live now on earth.

As it says in Hebrews 12:1-2, Jesus is our model. He is the One to whom we must look as we consider how to live our life right now, aware of the life we’ll enjoy in eternity someday. Notice that we’re told that Jesus endured the cross and its shame because of the future joy that awaited Him!

He looked ahead, saw that it was all worth it, and pressed on in faith.

For you and me, the cross means that one day we will live in a place where there will be no more sadness, sickness, sorrow, or tears.

But we’re not there yet.

While we are still here on this earth, we are to live as people aimed someplace else, living for another world, but never ceasing to strive toward changing this one in the process.

Think of it in this way: knowing that your future is guaranteed because of what Jesus did for you on the cross, what do you really have to lose? The cross, when viewed as a guarantee of your future, should inspire you to boldly live for Jesus and tell others about Him, so that they too can receive a hope that lasts.

Dear God, thank you that my future is secured in Jesus and that on the cross He guaranteed my eternal home with you. Help me to live in light of my future, never giving up or turning from what you’ve set before me in this life. Use me in this world to make a difference that will live on into eternity. Amen.

– Nick Hall