Eternity is a Long Time

This Day 20 of my 40 Day Lenten Blog.

Jesus describes Hell as a place "where the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched." (Mark 9:48). Hell is a place of eternal torment, an "everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels...where there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 25:41). Sounds like a pretty terrible place to spend eternity. Eternity is a long time.

How do we stay out of there? We love the Lord instead of this world and put our hope in Him and not in this world. Sure there is a lot of attractiveness about the world and not all of it is evil. But when we begin to live for the pleasures of this world and the glory that comes from men, then we start down the wide path to Hell.

It's easy to get into Hell. That is why Jesus tells us that the path to Hell is broad and the gate is wide. All I have to do to get into Hell is do whatever it is I want to do. All I need to do is put myself and my desires first. That's about as natural a disposition as exists in this broken world. Me, me, me!!!

Taking the path to Heaven is more difficult. The gate to Heaven is narrow and few will enter there. It actually takes effort to go to Heaven. I have to turn from my selfishness and think of others. I have to sacrifice my time, money, and perhaps even my life. I have to admit I was wrong and ask forgiveness. I have to ignore the pleasures I wish to pursue to instead pursue the good that God wants for me. But as the old saying goes, "nothing worth having comes easy."

We can be the kid who plays video games instead of studying for the test and fails, or we can bust our humps studying and ace the test. The consequences to this are far greater than any test in school. And they are eternal. We have a choice between the easy path to eternal torment, or the more difficult path to eternal joy. Just remember, eternity is a long time.

Today's prayer: Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of Hell. Lead all souls into Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy. Amen.

R.C. VanLandingham lives in Florida with his wife and kids.He is the author of several books including the Christian fantasy books Peter Puckett & The Amulet of Eternity, Peter Puckett & the Enchanted Chalice, and Magdalene Hope & the Elves of Evermore.