Eternal Perspective on Work (and education)

Over the past few months, my mind has percolated on the eternal. It started with CS Lewis' quote that we have "never talked to a mere mortal" ("Weight of Glory"), and his correct (but rarely embraced) view that all humans are immortal, i.e., every person will live forever, somewhere.

Yes, CS Lewis always makes my brain percolate.

So, how does an eternal perspective on humanity impact how we live life?

Clearly, it impacts us philosophically. Our culture has fully embraced the belief that humans are mortal. This manifests itself in our current "bucket list" philosophy prevalent in our older generations and the "YOLO" (you only live once) philosophy seen in our younger generations. Both focus on the belief that there is nothing after we die.

I have a 'bucket list" of sorts ... things I want to do before I "kick the bucket," but should I?

Those with an eternal perspective (especially Christians) believe that life continues after death in a far better "new heaven and new earth" (Rev 21:1). So, should I lament the national parks I haven't visited or the peaks I haven't summitted? Or, will the "new earth" allow me to achieve these bucket list items after I die?  I don't know ... thus, the percolating brain.

How does an eternal perspective on humanity impact work and education?

Have you ever considered work from an eternal perspective? If God created/assigned work in Eden before the Fall, I assume that heaven will include work: caring for the earth (and maybe even the universe), advancing art, culture, industry, and technology ... all without frustration and to the full glory of God. However, some industries will cease to exist because the "new earth" will not have sickness, pain, tears, and sin. Have you ever considered what jobs will NOT be a part of heaven?

Industries/Jobs that are not eternal? Here are just a couple ...

• health care (doctors, nurses, pharmaceuticals, health insurance)
• criminal justice (police officers, prison guards, lawyers, judges)

It is difficult to imagine earth (even a "new earth") without these industries, but what an amazing place that will be, without sickness or sin.

My thoughts in this blog focus on education. So, how do we educate and prepare students for an eternity of work?  

Let me propose two ways ...

1. Passionately prepare students in health care and criminal justice fields to fill these positions with the fervency of a "bucket list."  If these positions are not eternal, we should be working to make a difference for Christ and his Kingdom in these fields right now ... restoring the brokenness found due to sickness and sin.

2. Passionately prepare students in the "eternal" jobs to do these to honor God now and forever. We should be teaching students to advance God's Kingdom in "every square inch" of the world in which Christ cries "Mine!" 

So, having an eternal perspective on humanity should inspire educators to prepare student for their future jobs to perform those positions with excellence and heartily as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24) because that is exactly what they are doing.