How important is this life?

Question

"Becoming a christian does not guarantee a better life here on earth. It guarantees a better eternity."

Is this really how Christians feel, how about all religious people, I mean even Buddhism seems to concentrate more on the next plain of existance (Nirvana I think). Is this why we accept all of the crap on this planet because life is short, and eternity is long. Is this why we ignore the homeless when they ask for change, ignore the stranger passing you on the dark street. Is this why we re-elect people that support war, why we still don't wear condoms all the time, or even worse, why we need to. Face it this life might, MIGHT be all you have, and if nothing else people you care dearly about are going to be left this Earth, and then people they care about, and so on. This life is very important, and may or may not decided where you're going next, but if you're going to be good, why not be be good for this life.

I plead ignorance on Buddhism.

Answer 1

Let me explain that it is a myth to think that Christians do not believe in living this life more abundantly just because they are pilgrims and strangers traveling through this life. This life is important because it is a dressing room for the next. In light of eternity, where we will spend it, is certainly a motivational factor for how we live and that includes obeying God's Word, those two most important commandments to love the Lord with all we have and not to serve any other and to love our neighbors as ourselves. The deeds done in THIS body in THIS life is exactly what will determine our judgment for eternity. Every idle word is being recorded in the book of life. The only ones who will have their sins blotted out are those who have been washed by the blood of Jesus Christ!!!
So, it is incorrect to imply or assume that Christians are so heavenly minded they are of no earthly good because they are first and foremost instructed to be good stewards of and to not oppress the poor and to be the good samaritan and to help their brother in need. These are the works which follow faith and without faith it is impossible to please God. Christians DO practice being good because they know and love God who IS love.

Answer 2

Yes I as a Christian do feel it is true about a better eternity, however, I don't ignore people in need. I don't always give people change just because they ask. Because sometimes I know it is just for supporting their habit. I know I gave a man my sandwich once because he was hungry and that's all I had. In Nigeria, we used to keep oranges/mangos and/or bananas in our car. We would give them to the kids that came begging so they'd at least have some food that day. My church supports a dreamcenter which provides meals, clothes and other things for the homeless. Yes, this life is important but so is the next one. And the next one is for all eternity. I agree about being good. I will be good in this lifetime and the next one. And for me it is decided where I'll be as I KNOW without any doubt that my name is in the Lamb's book of Life.

Answer 3

Buddhism concentrates on the NOW. The past and the future isn't important. You do NOT expect an outcome "Nirvana" but are supposed to be altruistic and mindful in the now, cultivating wisdom, etc. Buddhism teaches that THIS life is what we call a "precious human birth" which, in samsaric existence (cyclic and suffering) is difficult to attain, given the attachments, aversions, wrong views, etc. So the NOW is most important to us... studying the Dharma and working minute by minute on wisdom and altruism... and darnit don't I ALWAYS sound like a broken record about "altruism"? LMAO

Edit: Nirvana is a "goal" of sorts, but you are not to expect NOR anticipate any outcome. Sorry, hope that clarifies.

_()_

Answer 4

what's the only component contained in the international that makes you rather chuffed once you're on my own? Dance, constantly. what's the 2nd in existence you're maximum looking forward to? getting married and commencing a family(: How do you dream your existence next 300 and sixty 5 days? with a bit of luck lots of extra eventful than this 300 and sixty 5 days. what's your have self belief is your objective in existence? i think my objective in existence is to realize out to others and attempt to make a distinction of their existence, in any way. once you daydream, what do you daydream your self as? outstanding! Haha the place do you think of your existence would be contained in the subsequent 10 years? with a bit of luck i'm going to be commencing my occupation and probably in basic terms getting married? What song makes you maximum chuffed? I even have soooo many. what's your lifetime dream? To in no way be forgotten. =] What do you have maximum pastime for? Dancing and assisting human beings. what's the main suitable component approximately your existence staggering now? i'm in basic terms now appreciating the little issues. what's your dream existence? outstanding husband, teenagers, and occupation(: once you shut your eyes, what do you notice on your strategies? i do no longer probable comprehend, Haha

Answer 5

I am a Christian and I am living this life so that I can live again in Heaven. When you begin to know God, he will give you peace and joy in all situations, so the cares of this world won't overtake us. Plus the Bible says if we suffer we will reign with Him. (II Tim 2:12) Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)

Answer 6

You know at first I was thinking oh man here goes another Christian rant from the first sentence. This is great, I completely agree with everything here.

Answer 7

Very. Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Answer 8

This life is just one stop on a very long journey.

Answer 9

well you're right we should be good in this lifetime unfortunately some people are only thinking about some sort of heavenly reward so they do it for that instead