2 CORINTHIANS 4:17-18 – For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. “

THEME OF THE DAY:  DEVELOPING THE PROPER VIEWS.  Of the many spiritual challenges we face daily, two are brought to our minds by the Apostle Paul in today’s scripture.  The first is the proper way to view suffering in this life.  The second is the view we are to have in life.

First, our attitudes or views of suffering.  We must confess, we don’t do well when God calls us to suffer and call us, He does!  In fact, we are reminded in the New Testament letter of Philippians that suffering is actually a gift bestowed upon us – For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake (Philippians 1:29).  When it comes to suffering of any kind, the Apostle Paul labels it “this light momentary affliction” and the only way to embrace suffering as such is to see the purpose behind our affliction – “is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond comparison.”  Every second of our suffering is not wasted by our God.  He uses all of its seasons and occurrences to conform us into the image of Jesus.  And if we keep this eternal perspective on our suffering, we will learn to rejoice in them, not complain through them.

The other truth the Apostle Paul encourages us with is toward orienting us to live life in this world in light of the fast-approaching eternal world – we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.  Friends, we must guard our hearts, minds, even our daily routines, of becoming so consumed and occupied with life in this fleeting world, we live as if there is no eternal world fast approaching.  And should we fail to develop this spiritual discipline of living in the physical world with an eye attached to the eternal world, our Christian life will be reduced to a mere moral ethic, not the abundant life Christ came to give us.

So, as we go through each day of life, learn to “see through the seen” and remember the fleeting nature of life, not only in the duration of our suffering, but in the brevity of our lives in this seen world.  Such a mindset will keep us alert for the return of Jesus and enables us to endure suffering with a joyful and submissive heart.

PRAYER: “Father, teach me to live with an eye always on the unseen and eternal world.”
QUOTE: “Be careful not be so consumed with life in this world, we live as if there is no eternal world.”

Because of Him,
Pastor Jim