The Essence of Eternal Life

Guest writer, Kevin Kimberly’11, Psychology and Political Science,O’Neill Hall

If someone asked you to define eternal life, what would you say? You certainly would not say such a thing exists on this physical earth. No fountain, pill, or liquid can give us an infinite amount of time to live. Yet Jesus, in a very real and physical form, came to let us know the true meaning of eternal life, the essence of living forever with Him and His Father. And it is to them that we should look to find the path to eternal life.

Let me guess your first response though! Do phrases like ‘I’m so busy,’ or ‘I don’t have any time for extra things,” sound familiar? The 21st century has become one of calendars, blackberries/smart phones, and down to the detail planning/scheduling. I am certainly guilty of it, as we all are. But what if Jesus had been too busy and just could not fit us into his planner? It is probable that in ‘Jesus’ Planner’ there is very little white space, yet his promise always remains true — to never leave our side. We are no extra thing to him.

All Jesus asks is that we come to Him and be with Him, in both the good times and the bad times. We forget too often to slot Jesus in the ‘forever’ period on our schedules. We fail to remember the reason we have the opportunity to be busy, and we put off what matters most. But when we truly give ourselves to Jesus and claim Him as our own, we receive Him through the Father. There is no greater gift than this because from it comes eternal life. For the true essence of eternal life is not committing a miracle or doing something extraordinary; it is living your life with, for, and in Jesus.

We know that God told us, “Ask and you shall receive.” Ask yourself if you are asking. God answers our needs by providing opportunities to achieve our requests. One of the most powerful and simple prayers I have ever been taught is: “Come, Holy Spirit, Come.” Begin with it every day. You’ll be surprised what six syllables and four words can do for your day and for your journey towards finding the offer of eternal life.