In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to lose sight of who we truly are in Christ. We often find ourselves fixated on the temporal, the visible, and the immediate challenges we face. But what if there was a way to shift our perspective and live from an eternal viewpoint? What if we could anchor our identity not in our circumstances or achievements, but in the unchanging truths of who God says we are?
Imagine a swing, suspended from above. The top of the swing represents our eternal, unseen identity in Christ. It’s unchanging, complete, and secure. The bottom of the swing represents our earthly experience – the ups and downs, the joys and sorrows, the victories and struggles. Too often, we try to find our worth and identity from what’s happening at the bottom of the swing. We look to our relationships, our accomplishments, or lack thereof, to define us. But this approach leaves us vulnerable to the constant shifts and changes of life.
The apostle Paul encourages us to set our affections on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). He reminds us that our life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3). This isn’t just poetic language; it’s a profound spiritual reality that should shape how we view ourselves and navigate life’s challenges.
In 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Paul writes, “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
This passage invites us to look beyond our current circumstances, beyond what’s visible to the naked eye, and focus on the eternal realities that define us in Christ. It’s a call to live from the top of the swing, anchored in our heavenly identity, even as we experience the motion and commotion of life below.
But what exactly is this identity that we have in Christ? The Bible gives us a breathtaking list of truths about who we are as believers:
- We are justified freely by God’s grace. (Romans 3:24)
- We have peace with God. (Romans 5:1)
- We have access by faith to the grace of God wherein we stand. (Romans 5:2)
- We have the love of God shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost. (Romans 5:5)
- We are reconciled to God. (Romans 5:10)
- We are dead to sin and alive to God. (Romans 6:11)
- We are free from self-condemnation. (Romans 8:1)
- We are more than conquerors through Christ. (Romans 8:37)
- We are inseparable from God’s love. (Romans 8:38-39)
- We are blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)
This is just a small sampling of the incredible truths that define our identity in Christ (See the list of 101 Spiritual Blessings.). When we truly grasp these realities, it changes how we view ourselves and how we approach life’s challenges.
Living from this eternal perspective doesn’t mean we ignore or downplay the difficulties we face. Rather, it means we face them from a position of strength and security, knowing who we are in Christ. We can acknowledge our struggles while not being defined by them. We can experience pain and disappointment without losing hope. We can face uncertainty with confidence, knowing that our ultimate identity and destiny are secure in Christ.
This shift in perspective also impacts how we view others. When we understand the depths of God’s grace towards us, it becomes easier to extend that same grace to others. We can see beyond people’s outward behavior or circumstances to the potential of who they could be in Christ.
Practically speaking, how do we cultivate this eternal perspective in our daily lives? Here are a few suggestions:
- Regularly meditate on scriptures that speak to your identity in Christ. Consider writing them down and reviewing them daily.
- When faced with challenges or negative thoughts about yourself, consciously choose to view the situation through the lens of your eternal identity.
- Practice gratitude for the spiritual blessings you have in Christ, even (and especially) when circumstances are difficult.
- Seek to encourage others by reminding them of who they are in Christ, rather than focusing solely on their current struggles or shortcomings.
- Engage in regular prayer and worship, focusing on God’s character and what He has done for you in Christ.
Living from an eternal perspective is not about escaping reality or ignoring the genuine pain and challenges of life. Instead, it’s about grounding ourselves in the deepest, most fundamental truth of who we are – beloved children of God, redeemed and secure in Christ. From this vantage point, we can face life’s ups and downs with resilience, hope, and an unshakeable sense of identity.
As we learn to live from our anchor point, in our eternal unchanging identity, we’ll find new freedom and joy in our daily lives. We’ll be less swayed by the opinions of others or the shifting circumstances around us. Instead, we’ll be rooted and grounded in love, able to comprehend the breadth, length, depth, and height of Christ’s love for us (Ephesians 3:17-19).
This is the life we’re called to – a life lived from the eternal perspective, secure in our identity in Christ, and empowered to face whatever comes our way with grace, courage, and unshakeable hope.
Pastor Bryan Ross
Grace Life Bible Church
Grand Rapids, MI
January 31, 2025
Resources For Further Study
The Rest of the Gospel: When the Partial Gospel Has Worn You Out by Dan Stone
The Swing Illustration: Learning To Live From The Eternal Perspective YouTube Series