When I was growing up, an expression was frequently used in my home which had the effect of providing me a rudder to use godly values in making daily decisions. I call it "the 100 year test." Perhaps you have also used it.

The test is very simple. It is actually just a short little question which goes like this: "how much is this going to matter in one-hundred years?" What this simple question does is to cause one to evaluate current problems and decisions in the light of eternity, rather than permit one's thinking to be mired down with myopia in the temporal.

I suspect that everyone who has a basic knowledge of the Bible's teaching can use the 100 year test as a way of putting things into a godly perspective. Consider the following examples.

In one hundred years, how much is it going to matter:

...if someone at school does not like me?

...if I regularly worship God with all of my heart?

...if my neighbor has better looking things than me?

...if I forgive others who sin against me?

...if someone at work stabbed me in the back?

...if I create the time to do good to others?

...if I do not get that ____, which I really want?

...if I spend time in prayer and Bible study?

...if someone stole something from me or cheated me out of something I deserve?

...if I live a holy and godly life?

...if I do not get to see the latest blockbuster movie?

...if I overcome my fear to tell _____ about Jesus?

...if I spend Sunday at the stadium watching my favorite team play?

...if I have trusted in Jesus for salvation?

Let's not allow the pressures of worldly desires to crowd out the really important things of life. After all, "the world will pass away and its desires, but the one who does the will of God remains forever." 1 John 2:17

Barry Newton, Copyright © 1999

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