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I love movies that are historically based - the types of films that take you back and let you experience a time and place that is far removed from our current reality. Whether it's 4th century Greece or 13th century Scotland, you are immersed into a world of human drama that we can all relate to. One of my favorite films is Gladiator, the heroic tale of Maximus, a powerful Roman general who is betrayed and left for dead by the murderous and treacherous Commodus. The movie is one of redemption and revenge, and it is beautifully told.
In one of the early scenes of the movie, Maximus is preparing his troops for an attack on the vicious Germanic tribes and in a chilling scene he parades on his horse in front of the soldiers to inspire them to the fight. In one of the great lines of movie history (in my humble opinion) he makes the statement, “What we do in life echoes in eternity.” With this moving statement Maximus leads his troops into battle and unto victory.
“What we do in life echoes in eternity.” Yes. As glorious as heaven will be with the removal of sin and suffering and the perfection that we will find in Christ, this earth and our lives now have great value and purpose and meaning. If we are created in God’s image, then it is of great importance that we reflect that image while we have breath. If we are now adopted sons and daughters into God’s family, then it is imperative that we act like it. If we are disciples of Jesus, then we must bear witness to Him in every part of the world. We have this great calling upon our lives to live in such a manner worthy of the gospel and thus bear fruit as a result of it. It is this life that leads us onto the next life.
Followers of Jesus, what you do in life matters now and will also echo in eternity. Remember that you must find your identity and purpose in Christ, that it is a core of Humbly Submission and a life that is Biblically Formed that produces true fruit, the kind that glorifies God. Apart from Jesus, you can do nothing. So look to Him to be the source of how you live, how you lead and how you love. We want to celebrate the fruit that comes from living faithfully for God and I look forward to eternity when we will forever rejoice in what God has done for all of us.