Having an Eternal View…
Seeing ourselves and circumstances with an eternal view is important. More than that, necessary and very biblical. If I take my eyes off of God’s great plan to bring me home to heaven, I can falter and lose heart in these days. And I need to be reminded of God’s presence and view of my life every day. At times, my vision with contact lenses in is just not clear enough. Though I’m not used to saying this out loud yet, I need my reading glasses to be sure I’ve read small print correctly. There could be consequences if I don’t see things clearly. If I am driving into the sunshine and do not have my sunglasses on, my view of what’s happening around me could have dire consequences. In 2 Corinthians chapter 4, Paul the apostle writes to us about having the right view of our circumstance, so we do not lose heart. He says in verses 17-18:
This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison (vs 17) The glory he’s speaking of is not just the absence of the affliction. It is the face-to-face presence of God the Father, and Jesus the Savior, and believers worshipping with angels continually and more.
We look not to the things that are seen (vs 18a). Things of this life are temporary, ever-changing, in decay, and being destroyed.
We look rather to the things that are unseen (vs 18b). God has promises that await us at our arrival in heaven.
The things that are seen are transient {means they last for a very short time} (vs 18c). Jesus said moths and rust destroy the treasures of this earth.
The things that are unseen are eternal (vs 18d). The presence of Jesus our Savior, worshipping with “Holy, Holy, Holy," and more.
Paul says that though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. Is it truly possible to be encouraged in these days? Is it possible to have joy-filled starts to each early morning? Is it possible to be enthusiastic about what God is and will be doing during these times? The answer is yes! Yet, the enthusiastic yes may much of the time be accompanied by the groaning of our bodies which grow weary and worn.
The eternal view renews us day by day. Paul, in Colossians 3, tells us to set our hearts and minds on things above where Christ is seated, not on things of the earth. And he prays for believers in Ephesians 1 that the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened so that we may know the hope to which God has called us, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints.
Glory awaits us. Be strong in the Lord.
Pastor Steve Mangle
P.S. There are many opportunities to serve here in the family of God, both on Sundays or during the week. Watch for an invitation coming soon to join us in the ministry of serving our Lord and the family at Christ’s Church.
And please remember to register for Sunday’s gathering as we are getting closer to the 200 limit in the 10:30am service. We are ready with a LiveStream in the Ministry Center in case of overflow.