Echoing in Eternity

In the film, Gladiator, Maximus Decimus Meridius, leading his troops into battle, declared, "What we do in life echoes in eternity."

That is a true statement. What we do in life echoes in eternity. We act as though everything that can be done must be done during our life on earth, and we must do all that we can with our time, abilities, and resources. There is a great element of truth to that, because we certainly don’t want to waste our lives. And when life is cut short or hindered by a disability or an illness, when a child dies—or a young man or a young woman, we think, What a tragedy! What a loss!

Then there are people who have lived wicked lives, who have done nothing with what God has given them and have opposed God in every way—even doing damage with their lives. We think, Wow! They live on, while this other person who had so much promise and potential is gone! Why do we think that way? Because we think all that will happen will happen in this life, and then it is over.

But that is not what the Bible teaches. The Bible teaches that life goes on, and God will not waste or squander any life or gifts. We remember that death, for the believer, is not the end of life but a continuation of it in another place. And God has other places and times in which that life can perhaps reach its full potential.

Whatever sacrifices you have made will be made up to you. God will not be your debtor. I am completely confident that in that final day, you will recognize that it was worth it all.