the profitability series, part 5

[ Part 5 is the finale for this series, but it certainly doesn’t mark the point of exhaustive research into this concept. As you read your Bible, you will find many more reasons why Christianity is profitable for this world. Not only is the message of the Gospel worthy to be shared because of its salvific nature, but Christians themselves bring value and meaning to life through their sense of morality and high ethical standards. They’re able to raise the level of human existence from ignoble to inspiring, from narcissistic autonomous egoism to altruistic sacrificial compassion. This shows up in parenting styles, educational standards of excellence, work ethic, empathy for mankind, compassion for the foreigner, love for our neighbors and the pursuit of justice in all parts of society. ]

Christianity’s Profitability, the Fifth Element: PERSPECTIVE

In the back recesses of the mind of every Christian resides the Promise of Eternity. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “[God] has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart . . . .”

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things to Himself.”

Philippians 3:20-21

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

Colossians 3:2-3

“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones.”

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

When Jesus ascends into heaven after the Resurrection, the disciples are met by two angels as they gaze after Jesus into the sky. “Men of Galilee,” they say, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). They predict our Lord’s Second Coming and inaugurate the believer’s hope in a life beyond this visible one. Jesus’ imminent return brings waves of relief to a weary world. The books of First and Second Thessalonians describe our Lord’s Second Coming in order to encourage the believers living in Thessalonica and the surrounding Roman-controlled provinces. Though they suffer greatly, there will be a day when Christ returns and ends their trials, wipes away their tears, heals their diseases, abolishes their sin and calls them home to forever be with their Lord.

It’s a powerful theme in many songs Christians sing. Here are only a few listed below. Read these lyrics, or even better, click the links to listen to the songs and read the lyrics. Eternal perspective is a major playa in the game of the Christian Life, enabling followers of Christ to believe the incredible, live the countercultural, and accomplish the insurmountable.

There will be a day with no more tears,
No more pain and no more fears;
There will be a day when the burdens of this place
Will be no more, we’ll see Jesus face to face . . . .

There Will Be A Day by Jeremy Camp

I can sing ’cause You pick me up, sing ’cause You’re there,
I can sing ’cause You hear me Lord when I call to You in prayer;
I can sing with my last breath, sing for I know
That I’ll sing with the angels and the saints around the throne!

How Can I Keep From Singing by Chris Tomlin

He’s coming on the clouds, kings and kingdoms will bow down,
And every chain will break as broken hearts declare His praise,
For who can stop the Lord Almighty.

The Lion and The Lamb by Big Daddy Weave

Is all creation groaning? It is.
Is a new creation coming? It is.
Is the glory of the Lord to be the light within our midst? It is.
Is it good that we remind ourselves of this? It is.

Is He Worthy by Andrew Peterson

Trials with hope — Risks with faith — Burdens with joy = Eternal Perspective. When Christians employ this kind of attitude, they bring value to life and glory to God.