Why are we here?

"Tell me again Maximus, why are we here?" One of the early turning points in the movie "Gladiator." Ceaser of Rome was dying. He was questioning how people would remember him as...a soldier, a visionary, a tyrant? While it can be sobering to think about death and a fixed life span here on Earth - there is hope in knowing life goes beyond the physical one we live out everyday.

How should I live my life in light of eternity? It comes down to what is most important NOW because of eternity. If there was no hope of life after death, then I should live my life for my own benefit. But eternal life brings a new perspective on life right now.

What would please God with my time on Earth? Coming up with a list is important if I desire to hear the words the Bible says God will state to some - "Well done, good and faithful servant." There is a key found even in these words. The word is SERVANT. What kind of servant? A faithful one. A 'good' one.

At the end of this life, I'd like for Jesus to put His arm around me and say, "Bryan, everything you did you did because you wanted to serve Me. Your family time, your personal time, your finances, your music, the books you read, the relationships you built, the trips you took, the words you spoke, the thoughts you contemplated - all of them were acts of service to Me. Not only did you do them with Me in mind, you were committed and steadfast in your purpose. I know you love Me because your life actions said it."