Keeping Our Eyes on the Eternal
Today I made another trip to Englewood to spend the day with my mom. I’m glad that I had the energy that I did to make through the day with the drive to and from Denver and the errands that I helped my mom with. I attended Wednesday Bible Study with her at Mosaic Church where she attends. There were several people there that I have known for years and who have been praying for me and following my progress with interest. It is always good to see people who are rejoicing over your progress.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence…So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 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.” 2 Corinthians 4:14, 16-18
I recall years ago someone making this comment, “he is so heavenly minded, he is no earthly good.” I am not sure what all that means but have the idea that it has more to do with the ability to communicate spiritual truths with people in an engaging way. I’m sure like in any “extreme” the opposite of that statement could be true. Someone could be so focused on this life and this world, they fail to have a Biblical understanding of life and our destiny.
When we look at these verses they speak to us of….
1 – An Eternal Reality – It is important to understand that there is more to life than “this life, this world.” At times I will catch an episode of the TV program “Bones.” Dr. Brennan plays the part of the “consummate scientist.” In other words, all that matters is what can be observed, analyzed and handed down by anthropologists while speaking authoritatively about the “God myth.”
Famed basketball coach John Wooden said, “It is what you learn after you know it all that counts.” There is an eternal destiny that everyone must face. Abraham Lincoln said, “you cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by avoiding it today.” That certainly has application to our spiritual future and eternal destiny.
2 – An Eternal Encouragement – “Therefore we do not lose heart…” There is so much that can come our way in this life that it can “knock the wind out of our sails.” The situations and trials of life can take our “heart” out of life and our view of the future. Christian leader of decades past Elmer Towns said, “All great leaders have one common spiritual gift – faith.” When we keep our eyes upon Jesus and rely on His strength he places the courage in us to face each new day. There is strength for life.
3 – An Eternal Perspective – Our focus in life determines our future and impacts our present. Paul says, “So we fix our eyes….” The success in any sport is related to focus. “Watch the ball” “Keep your eyes on the basket” “Keep your eyes on the runner’s chest to make the tackle.”
When we have an eternal perspective is allows us to look beyond what is, to what will be. To look beyond the fading and the failing and to look to what will last. One leader observed, “all glory comes from daring to begin.” For some today is a day to begin a new focus, a new resolve and to adopt a new perspective. For others it may be a reminder to “re-focus” to be strengthened in your faith – in the midst of the struggle or journey.