How Can We Develop an Eternal Perspective?

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woman praying

When Jesus Christ suffered for each of us in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). The cup was not removed. He submitted to the will of the Father and “partook and finished [His] preparations unto the children of men” (Doctrine and Covenants 19:19).

How did Jesus Christ find the strength to endure? Part of the answer might be that He knew that His kingdom was not of this world (see John 18:36). His suffering prepared the way for something of infinite importance—a way for us to enter His kingdom.

Ways to Develop an Eternal Perspective

Like Christ, we can gain an eternal perspective. “A gospel perspective expands our sight to an eternal view. When you put on gospel glasses, you find enhanced perspective, focus, and vision in the way you think about your priorities, your problems, your temptations, and even your mistakes. You will see brighter light that you could not see without them” (Gary E. Stevenson, “Spiritual Eclipse,” Liahona, Nov. 2017, 45).

Here are four ways we can follow the example of Jesus Christ and develop an eternal perspective. Like Him, we can also have the strength to say, “Not my will, but thine, be done.”

Pray sincerely (see Luke 22:41–42).
Develop a relationship of love and unity with God (see John 17:20–26).
Rely on heavenly help (see Luke 22:43).
Look beyond the present moment (see John 18:36–37).