Eternal Eyes
by Janna Jones

For the past few weeks I've been watching, with the rest of the world, as the aftermath of hurricane Katrina continues to unfold. As I watch the news reports and hear the stories of victims, I am struck by how quickly people in the affected areas went from typical activities like running to Wal-Mart to pick up laundry detergent, to desperately trying to find a way to survive. It's mind boggling that one storm could take a modern city down to the level of a third-world nation. I hurt for those who are enduring such hardship, and continue to look for ways I can help as communities begin to rebuild.

But while the media reports destruction and the world sees pointless tragedy and desperation, I see things a little differently. When I look at the whole situation, I mostly see reality—the base reality that this world is sinful, cursed, and temporary. I see the reality that the things of this earth are here today and gone tomorrow. And I see the wisdom of Matthew 6:19-20 (NIV) which tells us, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." And it makes me ask, Do we really believe that? Do I really live my life that way? What would it look like if I did? The results of this storm are heartbreaking for the people who have lost their homes and everything they own, yet they seem to agree that the thing that matters most to them now is relationships . . . making sure the people they love are safe and well. When everything of this world is stripped away, the eternal comes more clearly into view.

So what would it look like to really live that way every day? What would it look like for me to have an eternal perspective when I'm not in the midst of tragedy? I don't have all the answers, but I know that I want to make talking with my neighbor more important than getting all my errands run. I want spending time with family to be more important than worrying about what others think of me. I want giving generously to those in need to be more important than buying the latest fashion, computer, or CD. I want sharing the unconditional, saving love of Christ with others to be the most important of all.

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When events happen in the world around you, do you only see them through the eyes of the media, in light of the immediate? Or do you have an eternal perspective, a missional viewpoint that impacts the way you think and act? If you see things through eternal eyes, we want to hear from you. Share with us the way you see the world by writing 300-500 words on a current event or topic relevant to your life (something similar to the story above). E-mail it to us at gowebsite@yahoo.com with "Eternal Eyes" in the subject line. Include your first name, age, hometown, and church name. If we choose to post your submission, we'll contact you by e-mail and pay you $50.* So look around and let us know what you see!

*You must be between the ages of 13-20 to participate. Submission of article implies permission to edit and use material on gostudents.net, in any future print magazine or for any other NAMB publication or other media. Notification of article selection will occur by e-mail only. If a response is not received within 10 days, payment will be considered forfeited.