William James said, “The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast us.”
The overwhelming majority of things we do during the day are profoundly temporary. Driving here or there. Having a meal. Watching TV. Even at work, what we do is more often about fixing yesterday’s problems than realizing tomorrow’s dreams.
So how do we bring a sense of the eternal into each day? How do we ensure we spend our lives building something that will outlast our time here on earth? The only two things that last forever are the Word of God and people. If you want to build something in your life that will last, look for ways to connect these two.
Look for ways to speak God’s word into the lives of others. This involves more than quoting Bible verses, though that is certainly part of it. It involves bringing the presence of God into every conversation.
Paul said, “But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.” (1 Corinthians 14:3) This kind of prophecy doesn’t require a microphone or a podium. In fact, it’s most effectively done one-on-one.
Try this today: In every conversation, ask yourself, “How can I help this person experience more of God’s strength? How can I encourage him or her to keep pressing on? What words can I use to help this individual feel the comfort of God’s Spirit?”
It may take only a sentence or two, but every time you do this, you’ll be building something that will last for all eternity.
Roy
