Eternal LIfe

Right before the crucifixion, Jesus was praying. He was yearning for the Father to be glorified. And Father would be glorified as Jesus gave eternal life to those in his family, to those who gave him allegiance. 

When people think of eternal life, there are certain things that come to mind. Many think in terms of time. That is, it's eternal. Some think of heaven. There is perfection -- no sorrow, no pain, no disease.

And Jesus says: "This is eternal life: knowing Father, and knowing Jesus."

Eternal life is forever. It is a joyous, blissful state of being. But most of all, it is a relationship.

I have suggested -- at least as a metaphor -- the concept of "spiritual fuels." 

To function optimally, a car engines needs gas, oil, coolant, grease, and, maybe, window washer fluid. 

To function optimally, what does a human body need? So, we do not get bogged down in minutia: sufficient quantities of protein, vitamins, minerals, fats, carbs, etc. (Obviously, we could get a lot more detailed.)

To function optimally, what does the human inner core need? A representative, but probably not exhaustive list is: love, purpose, community, beauty, peace, joy, and creativity. A couple of these can be seen to involve relationship. Because we are designed by Father, a mandatory part of optimal living is a relationship with Father.

One reason why people seem to have it together, and, therefore, have no desire to seek a relationship with Father, is because a lot of this other stuff is in place.

Father wants us to have all that stuff, and a relationship with him too. Moreover, a relationship with Father enhances, empowers, and accentuates all that other stuff too. It becomes more, and better. Love is more and better. Beauty is more and better. Community is more and better.

For those in God's family, eternal life is, in some ways, in the future, but, in some ways, it is now. We know Father now. We have a relationship with Father now. We have eternal life now.