You Can’t Take It With You

As we step into a new year, many of us find ourselves caught in the familiar cycle of making resolutions – promises to ourselves that often fade as quickly as they’re made. But what if this year, instead of adding more to our already busy lives, we took a different approach? What if we embraced subtraction instead of addition?

The concept is simple yet profound: you can’t take it with you. As we reflect on the past year and look ahead, it’s worth considering what baggage we’re unnecessarily carrying into the future. Are we holding onto busyness, criticism, anger, or unforgiveness? These are weights that drag us down, preventing us from living the life we’re truly meant to live.

Jesus, in His wisdom, offers us a radically different perspective. In Matthew 6:19-21, He says:

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

This passage isn’t just about material possessions. It’s an invitation to shift our focus from the temporal to the eternal. It’s a call to live with an eternal perspective.

Imagine time as a long rope stretching from before the foundation of the earth into eternity. Our entire lives – from birth to death – are represented by just a tiny flag on that rope. In light of eternity, our earthly existence is but a blink. Yet, how often do we live as if this brief moment is all there is?

The Apostle Paul understood this well. In 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, he writes:

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

Paul reminds us that our current struggles, no matter how overwhelming they may seem, are temporary in light of eternity. This doesn’t diminish our pain or challenges, but it does offer us hope and a broader perspective.

So, what should we be pursuing? What holds eternal value? The answer lies in the fruit of the Spirit, described in Galatians 5:22-23:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

These qualities aren’t just nice additions to our personality; they’re transformative attributes that shape our character for eternity. They’re not achieved through mere behavior management but through a heart transformation that comes from walking closely with God.

Building an eternal character requires intentionality. It’s about training ourselves spiritually with the same dedication an athlete applies to physical training. Philippians 4:8 offers practical guidance:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

This verse provides a blueprint for renewing our minds. By focusing on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable, we begin to align our thoughts with God’s perspective.

But how do we practically apply this in our daily lives? Here are some suggestions:

1. Read the Bible regularly: God’s Word has the power to transform lives. Make it a daily habit to engage with Scripture, allowing its truths to shape your thoughts and actions.

2. Pray consistently: Prayer isn’t about eloquent words; it’s about honest conversation with God. Share your heart with Him, knowing He cares about every aspect of your life.

3. Practice the presence of God: Remember that God is with you always, not just during “spiritual” activities. Whether you’re at work, doing chores, or spending time with family, acknowledge His presence and invite Him into every moment.

4. Be intentional: Just as we’re intentional about our careers, health, or relationships, we need to be intentional about our spiritual growth. Seek out opportunities for learning and growth, whether through classes, small groups, or mentoring relationships.

As we embrace this eternal perspective, we may find that our priorities shift. Things that once seemed crucial may lose their urgency, while matters of the heart and spirit take center stage. This doesn’t mean we neglect our earthly responsibilities, but rather that we approach them with a new mindset – one that’s focused on eternal values.

Imagine reaching the end of this year and being able to say, “The road wasn’t easy, but I’m different. I’m new. And it’s all because of the Lord.” That’s the transformative power of living with an eternal perspective.

So, as we stand at the threshold of a new year, let’s challenge ourselves to think differently. Instead of making resolutions we may not keep, let’s commit to embracing an eternal perspective. Let’s choose to lay down the burdens of criticism, anger, and unforgiveness. Let’s pursue the fruit of the Spirit and build characters that will stand the test of eternity.

Remember, you can’t take it with you – but you can become someone who’s ready for eternity. This year, may we all grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. May we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

As you reflect on these truths, consider: What do you need to leave behind this year? What eternal qualities do you want to cultivate? How can you start living today with eternity in mind? The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Today, take that step towards an eternal perspective, and watch as God transforms your life from the inside out.