We are sometimes a little at a loss, to know if we are doing just the right thing, and if we are doing it at the right time. Perhaps it would not be possible to find any one test which would apply to all subjects and all times. But I have met with one, in the form of a question, which may prove of use in reference to many things — and very often! I am sure that if I had properly used it — it would have prevented my doing many things, which I have had to regret after they have been done. It is this — in whatever engaged, ask the question, "How will this impact on eternity?"
We have all to do with eternity. It is just ahead of us. All that we do in time, in some way impacts upon it. We ought therefore to keep eternity before us, in the formation of all our plans, and in the execution of all our purposes. If I propose to do anything of importance, as for instance, change my residence, my state of life, my employment, or anything that appears to depend on my own judgment and choice, let me ask, "How will this impact on eternity?"
We are all more or less guilty of the folly of living and acting, as if we were to live here forever: or at least were certain of living here for a long time. Whereas we know not what a day may bring forth. "We know not what shall be on the morrow. We may be within a step of death, and therefore within a step of eternity.
We ought therefore to keep eternity always in view, and act in every place, as those who carry about with them a consciousness of their immortality, and who realize that for all they do, they must give an account to God. O the evils that would be prevented! O the sins that would be avoided, if we so lived, and daily asked ourselves the question, in reference to all our doings, "How will this impact on eternity?"
