Measure your Christian life

One measure of Christian life and growth is: how real is eternity to you? And how important is it?

To a healthy Christian, eternity is present, and all-important. He/she lives, as seeing the things which are invisible. Christ is real and present; the evil one is real and dangerous; eternity is glorious and eagerly expected; life is lived hoping to hear "well done, good and faithful servant" and looking forward to the enjoyment of the New Creation. Prayer is precious and valued, and the struggle to establish and maintain it one that is felt and engaged each day.

For an unhealthy Christian, eternity is vague, far off and of little immediate concern. He/she lives as seeing the things that the world sees - money, advancement, pleasure. Christ is distant and of little relevance; evil is a theory that rarely intrudes into daily life; eternity is far off, does not need to be thought much about, and will probably sort itself out; life is lived to pursue and enjoy the good things of this life. Prayer is a few muttered words to satisfy conscience before getting down to the real business.

How is your Christian life doing?