“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20)
Life in this world will always fall short of what we deem to be ideal. We always imagine life could be better if we had a little more of this or a little less of that. We see how things have turned out for another and say, “Why not me?” Such thoughts breed discontent, sorrow, and even questioning of God’s care for us.
We have a choice to make: we can pine away, longing for a better tomorrow (that may or may not come); or we can rejoice in the blessedness of eternal life today. Jesus told us where this life is found:
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)
Eternal life is not something we enter into after we die, God gives it today, and tomorrow, and the next day, stretching forth into eternity. Eternal life is continuous life in and with God. It is not something we must wait for. Yes, entrance into heaven is future, but entrance into the presence of God begins here and now through the salvation that is in Jesus Christ. Once saved, the glorious, joyous journey begins. Each day then becomes a fresh opportunity to know our Lord in a deeper and more fulfilling way.
How is it that any of us who have been given this privilege should envy what any other has, or sorrow over what we don’t have? We have God. We have Jesus. We have the Holy Spirit. We have their daily presence and an opportunity to know them more and more in and through the challenges we face. What a life! Rejoice if you have it and nothing else. Mourn if you don’t, but have all your heart could wish for.