Every conversation, every act of love, and every moment we share the gospel ripple into eternity.

I opened Google Contacts for the first time in ten years, and after more than a quarter century using Gmail, I was stunned to find I had over 600 contacts. That’s not everyone I’ve ever e-mailed (that would easily be in the five digits, probably six) but people I intentionally added. I’ve cleaned up this list before, but probably not in a decade. These are people who mattered enough that I wanted to stay connected—people I knew would remain in my life.

An earthly timeline

As I started cleaning up my contacts, a wave of emotions hit me. There were names of fellow pastors, former parishioners, family, friends . . . some who’ve passed away. (The number of deceased people I deleted genuinely surprised me.) Each name told a story of shared meals, ministry moments, and great conversations.

The sobering reality?

Time moves fast. People don’t stay in our lives forever.

This simple digital housekeeping became an unexpected meditation on the relationships that have shaped my life and ministry. Some names made me smile. Others brought regret for connections that faded or words left unsaid.

But here’s what struck me most: God put the people in my life today for such a time as this. “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

The conversations you have today, the encouragement you offer, the forgiveness you extend, the love you show through Jesus—these opportunities have an expiration date.

“As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10).

Behind every contact is a person loved by God. Each one matters. Each relationship is a gift.

An eternal perspective

Yes, seeing those names—especially of those who have passed—reminded me that this life is not the end. While we grieve the loss of earthly connections, we’re not called to get too attached to this world. Something far better awaits those who trust in Christ, the one who died for our sins and rose again.

Our relationships here are temporary, but they can have eternal significance. Every conversation, every act of love, every moment we share the gospel—these ripple into eternity. We’re not just maintaining friendships; we’re investing in souls that will live forever.

So hold your earthly relationships with open hands, knowing that in Christ, the best is yet to come.

Author: Michael Ewart
Volume 113, Number 02
Issue: February 2026

Making a difference

Write down at least three names of people in your life now.

Pray for them today.

Encourage them this week.