In the Christian life, prioritizing eternal values is a fundamental principle that guides believers in aligning their lives with God's purposes. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture and calls for a focus on the eternal rather than the temporal, urging Christians to live with an eternal perspective.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of setting one's heart and mind on things above. In Colossians 3:2, the Apostle Paul instructs, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." This directive encourages believers to prioritize spiritual and eternal matters over the fleeting concerns of the world.

Jesus Himself addressed the issue of priorities in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 6:19-21, He teaches, "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, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This passage underscores the transient nature of earthly possessions and the enduring value of heavenly treasures.

Eternal Perspective

An eternal perspective involves recognizing the temporary nature of life on earth and the everlasting nature of the soul. James 4:14 reminds believers of the brevity of life: "You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." This awareness should motivate Christians to invest in what holds eternal significance.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this in 2 Corinthians 4:18, stating, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." This verse calls for a focus on the unseen realities of God's kingdom, which are eternal and unchanging.

Practical Application

Prioritizing eternal values requires intentional choices and actions. Believers are called to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, as stated in Matthew 6:33: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This involves making decisions that reflect God's priorities and values, even when they conflict with worldly desires.

The parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21 serves as a cautionary tale about misplaced priorities. The rich man focused on accumulating wealth, neglecting his spiritual well-being. Jesus concludes the parable with a warning: "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:21). This account illustrates the futility of prioritizing material wealth over spiritual richness.

Living Out Eternal Values

Living out eternal values involves cultivating a life of faith, love, and service. Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities reflect the character of Christ and are of eternal worth.

Moreover, believers are encouraged to engage in acts of service and love, as these have lasting impact. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Serving others in love is a tangible expression of prioritizing eternal values.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "prioritizing eternal values," the concept is woven throughout its teachings. By focusing on the eternal, believers are called to live lives that reflect the values of God's kingdom, investing in what truly matters and enduring beyond this earthly life.