All That Is Not Eternal Is Eternally Out Of Date

"All that is not eternal is eternally out of date." C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves.


As Christians, there is a dichotomy where we must always live in the present with a view toward the eternal.  When we stand before the Judgement Seat, the only things in our lives that will count are those that were done with eternity in mind.  "[E]ach man's works will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work." I Corinthians 3:13 (although all of verses 10-15 are relevant).


When life is viewed in such away, our priorities completely change.  No longer is life about what is satisfying here and now.  Instead, life is about actions that have meaning and purpose, that are done out of love and exhibiting Christ's love to the world.  Having such a view is a cure for a hum drum life.  It is also a cure for mediocrity.  It is when we are focused on "non-eternal" things that life become pointless, boring, and we settle for less than excellence.


There is an interesting dichotomy in the Christian life.  On one hand, we are to live our lives "fully present".  On the other hand, we are to live our lives with an eye toward eternity.  It can be a tricky balance.  No matter what, however, we must remember that what we do in this life echoes in all of eternity.