Those who read my more spiritually-oriented writings know that one of my biggest priorities is keeping my eyes on my destination - eternity. For the benefit of those who don't know me, I will explain that I'm not talking about being "so heavenly minded that you're no earthly good," but rather about realizing that everything we do in this life affects the next one, the life we will live forever. I'm talking about understanding that our primary focus should be on God and the things that He says will matter thousands of years from now.

Which point brings me to Driven by Eternity, one of the most life-impacting books I've ever read. Written by well-known author John Bevere, it offers a read that is pleasurable, compelling, convicting, and enormously encouraging.

Bevere begins by introducing the concept of eternity in chapter one. Chapter two then offers up the beginnings of an allegory, a tale about the kingdom of Affabel, life in Endel, and a selection of the world's inhabitants.

Endel's residents spend ten years in school and then have a period of time during which they are to apply all they've been taught, proving their stewardship. After this time of testing, they are taken to meet the ruler of the kingdom and face their futures.

Sound familiar?

Bevere uses his allegory with great skill, spending roughly two-thirds of the book explaining what the allegory means in reference to us and the lives we live. Not surprisingly, he makes some strong statements, but he carefully backs up pretty much every word he writes with scripture. As he does, he helps the reader gain vitally important insight into how our lives today affect our eternal destinies. And no, we're not just talking heaven and hell here; the lives we live today, the choices we make, literally determine the positions we will hold, the responsibilities and rewards we will walk in, thousands of years from now. Years of digging into God's Word had already shown me this, but Driven by Eternity gave me a loving, yet in-your-face, reminder that I hadn't known I needed.

I strongly advise that every adult and near adult read this book at least once. I plan to keep it close and reread it at least once a year. Yes, its message is that important.