What You’ll Take Into God’s Eternal Kingdom

When we think about eternity, we often wonder: What from this life will last? The truth is sobering yet freeing - there is very little you and I will carry with us into God’s eternal Kingdom. Our homes, careers, hobbies, and possessions will all fade away. Scripture reminds us, “For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world” (1 Timothy 6:7).

But there are two things that endure: people and memories.

People: Eternal Souls

Every human being is an eternal soul. Jesus reminds us of this priority when He said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19–20). Treasures in heaven are not gold bars or bank accounts - they are people whose lives have been touched by the Gospel.

Paul understood this when he wrote to the Thessalonians: “For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy” (1 Thessalonians 2:19–20). His “reward” in heaven wasn’t material; it was the people he had walked with, discipled, and led toward Christ.

Think about it: every conversation of encouragement, every prayer over a struggling friend, every Gospel seed planted - they all have eternal weight. Investing in people is investing in eternity.

Memories: Eternal Joy

While Scripture doesn’t use the word “memories” often, it constantly calls us to remember God’s works and faithfulness. The Psalms are full of this: “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old” (Psalm 77:11).

Memories tied to faith, love, and joy in Christ are part of the fabric of eternity. When John envisions heaven, he describes it not as a sterile place of mere survival but a banquet, a wedding feast (Revelation 19:6–9). What happens at weddings? Laughter, storytelling, shared joy, and cherished memories.

The memories you make in Christ - singing around the dinner table, serving together in mission, laughing late into the night with brothers and sisters - become part of the eternal celebration. They shape your joy and fuel your gratitude when you see God’s face.

Imagine packing for a trip. You can’t take everything - your closet, furniture, or garage won’t fit in your suitcase. You only bring what is essential and valuable for the journey. In the same way, when we step into eternity, our “suitcase” won’t hold much. Possessions stay behind. But the faces of loved ones who trusted Christ and the joy-filled memories of walking faithfully with Him will go forward.

Living With Eternity in View

If this is true, then how should we live?

• Take time to enjoy people. Put the phone down, look someone in the eyes, and really listen. Love deeply and forgive freely.

• Be happy in Christ. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It’s not naive happiness but a delight in God’s presence and promises.

• Make memories that matter. Share meals, pray together, travel, laugh, and serve. Fill your days with moments that glorify God and bind hearts together in love.

There is very little you will take with you into God’s eternal Kingdom, but you will take people and memories. So let’s choose wisely today. Invest in souls. Enjoy the journey. Build memories that echo into eternity.

“Only one life, ’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.” C.T. Studd