Francis de Sales: (Not) An Ordinary Life, Part 2

Consider that the present day is given you in order that you may gain the future day of eternity. Make a firm purpose, therefore, to employ it well with this intention.

In this short series on the work of Francis de Sales, we are looking at his four steps to “Finding God in the Morning,” that is, purposely placing oneself in God’s presence daily.

Today, we will examine his second step:

Consider that the present day is given you in order that you may gain the future day of eternity; make a firm purpose, therefore, to employ it well with this intention.¹

If we are followers of Christ, our lives have lasting purpose. It’s easy to become caught up in our day-to-day circumstances, and forget that we must view each day of our lives through the lens of eternity. I think often of the lines of a poem by missionary C. T. Studd, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”² Wow. Talk about a game-changing perspective, right?

A kingdom perspective, really, is what it is. Remember Matthew 6:33? Seek first God’s kingdom? How about I Peter 1:13? “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.”²

It’s time to be alert. Proactive. Courageous. Take time today to not only think about eternity, but as de Sales urges, choose to be intentional about your plans, your thoughts and your actions. What will you do today that will impact eternity?

Someone recently challenged me with this question: “Will there be people in Heaven someday because of you?” I’ll be honest. That question has been echoing in my heart every day…and I’m wrestling with the answer.

So. I pose the same question to you. In light of eternity, what will you do today?

¹De Sales, Francis. A Devout Life. Public Domain.

²https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Studd

Listen to selections from “A Devout Life.”