Several religious principles, cultures, and natural laws point to the reflective end to whatever we do here on earth in the afterlife. It means what we do in life echoes in eternity as said by Maximus.
In a hectic world like this, everyone has his own goals, beliefs, and plans of being happy, successful, or for a deserving reward. The reward might be felt only here on earth or somewhere else in eternity. Maximus once said “what we do in life echoes in eternity.” It’s been a very thoughtful and inspirational quote for several people like myself. I will explore this a little further in this post.
Remember, life is full of challenges, there are winners and losers but everything boils down to the results of each one’s words and actions. That is a responsibility no one can escape.
Maximus Decimus Meridius who acted as the main protagonist of the 2000 epic historical movie called Gladiator said:
“Hold the line! Stay with me! If you find yourself alone, riding in the green fields with the sun on your face, do not be troubled. For you are in Elysium [Heaven], and you’re already dead! Brothers, what we do in life… echoes in eternity.” —Maximus
To face the unpredictable challenge, he psyched himself together with his warriors. In fact, this movie has been one of my “all-time favorites.” It tells a powerful story of the extent evil people could reach but fail woefully in the end.
It’s not uncommon to hear people say “Life is war.” Maximus, the gladiator knew how his precious life was in the blink of death with befitting good legacy. Such an honorable man wasn’t ashamed to die for righteousness sake. He was ready to fight for justice, freedom, and peace.
“My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, and loyal servant to the TRUE emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance, in this life or the next.” —Maximus
Taking a look at this profound quote “What we do in life echoes in eternity” from Maximus, it simply means that life is a reflection of how you live it. He hit on the awful truth that the wicked and unscrupulous men never want to hear.
The life application cuts across all facets of life. Think of them; your lifestyle, job, health, relationships, marriage, beliefs, goals, decisions, future, etc.
The Bible says vengeance is the Lord’s; He is the final Judge to separate the wicked from the righteous eternally.
“For all who take hold of the sword will die by the sword.”— Matthew 26:52
According to the movie, the wicked men and their rulers were destroyed by the sword they pulled against innocent souls.
Their wickedness will take them along to the next world where they will surely receive the appropriate punishment.
Concerns About Legacies — Evil Vs Good
There is nothing more beautiful than leaving behind good legacies for your children, loved ones, community, and the next generation. The things you do or say constantly echo in the next world.
Everyone you see out there has responsibilities to fulfill. Be a good steward or servant and reap the good fruits of your labor here in this world; and the afterlife would gladly welcome you. Do not try to entertain evil thoughts that destroy lives and properties.
The devil is always looking for those whose minds and hearts are unguarded to use them as weapons of destruction. The result in the afterlife would be awful and unbearable. The Bible calls it the lake of fire.
To live a good life leaves an indelible mark in the hearts of people. You will be remembered always. Even if you are long gone, your good works will testify for you.
Moral Lesson
I believe Maximus’ quote resonates with several Bible verses (eg. you reap what you sow – Galatians 6:7) It’s true, everything you do here on earth will be revealed to you during the judgment day. The Bible says we shall account for whatever we do here on earth.
It’s therefore necessary to examine your life to see if you are living a life that is worthy in the sight of the Lord or not. Are you pursuing righteousness or wickedness? Listen to yourself, your conscience is speaking to you!
You may conceal your sins here on earth, but on the last day, everything will be laid bare.
Evil and Corrupted people like Commodus in the said movie would surely be exposed and their rottenness will lead them to eternal damnation.
Be an honorable person who delights in righteousness. Learn to be kind to people, and do good all the time by eschewing evil. Then your goodness will pay you well in the next world that the Bible calls paradise or heaven.
• “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap unfailing love. Break up the unplowed ground for yourselves, for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers deliverance on you.” (Hosea 10:12)
• “Break the arm of the wicked and evil man! Hold him accountable for his wicked deeds, which he thought you would not discover.” (Psalm 10:15)
Finally, accountability for whatever we do in life is inevitable. We should choose to fear God and pursue righteousness. The reward for this is always great. Heaven is ever ready to welcome people who embrace good over evil.
It’s time to watch your steps and how you treat your neighbors. The golden rule is like a big radar that will bring you to judgment.
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