Cherish Him Most

 

“We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18, NIV).

 

The things we have in life do not last. The car, the television, the new thing we had to have–they are all fleeting. They are for a moment in time, but sometimes we make them the most important elements of our life. If God has allowed them in our life, they are His gifts to either abuse or cherish. We abuse them when we make them the most important aspect of our life. They are cherished as God wishes when we love Him the most.

We can get so wrapped up in what we believe is ours! All things belong to Him―even our relationships. When something doesn't work right, we sometimes frantically try to fix it. The Holy Spirit does not want us to be frantically controlled by anything―whether a possession or a relationship. He wants us to be free to enjoy the gifts He has given. He wants us to know that we can't fix either one without His guidance when there is a problem. When a possession does not control our life, He gives the wisdom to either take care of the problem without frustration or just let the problem go. When we realize that a problem in a relationship is His to solve and His direction is ours to obey, then we see that friendship as the gift He has given. Whether a possession or a relationship He has given, each one is to be cherished as a gift and not abused. Each belongs to Him, and not to us. If either one controls our life, we have frustration and unrest. If He is in control we have His peace no matter what problem arises. It is His place to direct. We cherish Him most when we relinquish control and lay down all we try to fix. When we follow His direction through the dark interpersonal waters of relationships, we not only learn He can take care of any problem. We learn that He will never fail us.

As humans we have a tendency to focus on what can be seen, and not what can't be seen. However, the Word says that if we fix our mind on Him, we can have His perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). He is the unseen. We can't see Him, but we know Him because He lives in us. What we have on earth, either possession or relationship, is for the number of days He has allowed them in our life. We should cherish each as God's gift. Yes, we should do our best to take care of that which He has entrusted to us, but we should do it with His guidance, His power, and especially His grace.

His love is the only thing that lasts in your life and in mine. I make a decision to treat His sacrificial love with the tenderness and greatest respect it deserves. I will hold fast to Him because He started His work in me. If I continually surrender my life to Him, He will complete it. I will run with perseverance the race He has marked out for me, fixing my eyes on Jesus, who perfects my faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2). My heart knows the unseen finish line. I cherish Him most when I allow the people and things He places in my life to perfect my heart for eternity.