Christians aren’t perfect. I’ll be the first to testify to that. But one benefit we have in Jesus Christ is the eternal perspective He offers us.

When stresses and problems come our way, as they do in everyone’s life, a believer’s reaction is significantly different from a nonbeliever’s. The defining difference is the perspective with which we approach these problems.

As frustrating and painful as people and circumstances may be, Christ-followers know that this world is not the be-all and end-all. We live today in light of eternity! It’s a joyously free feeling to not be trapped by earthly burdens. We know that heaven is our true home.

This perspective is not something nonbelievers can understand. All they are living for is here and now. But the Bible says, “this world in its present form is passing away.”

There is so much more to life than the present! Won’t you reach out and tell someone about the reason for your lack of fear and worry? Won’t you tell someone what Jesus Christ has done for you?

Did you know that as a follower of Jesus, you are a king or queen? It’s true! Romans 8:16 says, “The spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now, if we are children then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” Jesus Christ is the King of kings and Lord of lords, and we’re heirs in His kingdom! Verse 17 goes on to say, “in order that we may also share in His glory.”

There is a glory to the Christian when he sees himself or herself in the position of royalty. There’s a glow. It’s not something you put on. It’s just there. When you act like a king or queen, people recognize your spiritual, quiet authority.

To me, my father-in-law was a great example of this kind of authority. He wasn’t a talker at all. He simply cared for his wife, worshipped the Lord in the church, and he gave his tithe. But what I especially loved about him was he would always invite his old college buddies to hear my evangelistic messages. He prayed they would be saved, and some of them were. Now he was no big mouth. Just a quiet highway engineer, but in my book he lived for God all the days of his life. That’s being the light of the world, and that’s the glory of God in a man.

Did you know that Christian missionaries brought the gospel message to the Fiji Islands almost two centuries ago? A few years back a European count visited the islands. He had heard of its beautiful girls, wild dances and pristine beaches. But when he got there he was sorely disappointed. The Fijians were modestly dressed and not partying like he had hoped.

The man complained to the tribal chief. He said that they never should have listened to the missionaries-that their message was outdated and boring. The chief looked at the count. He said, “Do you see that rock over there? Before the missionaries came, we would take people like you and cut off their heads on that rock. Then we boiled them, and ate them. So, you’d better thank the missionaries that they came and that we believed their message of the love of God. Because if it wasn’t for them, we’d have chopped your head off right now and you’d be boiling for dinner tonight.” What a great response!

In Matthew chapter 28, Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” The life of the people around you may not seem as barbaric as that of 200 years ago in the Pacific. But they are still living in darkness. We have the message of light. We have the message of Jesus Christ. It is our duty, and our privilege, to let them know that there’s a Savior who can liberate us from everything that enslaves us.

Have you ever thought about the amazing privileges we have as children of God? Think about it. Hebrews chapter 10 tells us all about them. First, it says we can draw near to God with a sincere heart. That we do that in full assurance of faith. That our hearts are sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscious. That our bodies are washed with pure living water.

We hold unswervingly to the hope that we profess, because the One who promised it is faithful. We spur one another on to love and good deeds. We meet together for fellowship. We encourage one another and, it says, all the more as we see the Day of our Lord approaching.

You know, all these privileges are ours in Jesus Christ! Is that amazing or what? The blood of Jesus purified and opened the door in such a way that we can actually walk right into the most holy place, the very presence of God. In the Spirit, in prayer, in worship, in meditation-you and I can actually feel and be by faith, in reality, in the very presence of God Almighty.

Hebrews 10:19 says, “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus.” Check it out for yourself. You can make an amazing impact on your world when you live life in light of God’s promises, God’s privileges, and God’s reality.