Focus on the Eternal

 

Throughout history, evil empires have advanced, wars and plagues have destroyed lives, and economic collapses have occurred. Humanity’s hunger for more is never satisfied. The enemy still steals, kills, and destroys. There is no lasting satisfaction to be found in men’s attempt to fill the void God created only to be filled by Him. 

 

No matter what happens in this world, never be preoccupied with what is merely temporary.

 

“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

 

Regardless of the world’s past hardships, they were all temporary. Those catastrophes have come and gone. Our present turmoil is also transient. While it may seem like we are in the end times due to our current experiences, it only seems that way because we are living in them. 

 

History demonstrates that far more devastating events have impacted the world than those observed today.  In World War I and World War II alone, eighty-five million to one hundred seven million people lost their lives. These figures include the deaths of military personnel from battles or wartime events, civilian fatalities resulting from conflict, and those caused by war-induced plagues, famines, and genocides (Wikipedia).

 

Slavery, massacres, the conquests of nations, and social injustices have endured since the creation of man. 

 

We are definitely closer to the coming of the Lord than ever before, but our temporary discomfort does not necessarily mean He must come now to deliver us. Christians and others have suffered tremendously for the last two thousand years. This is not new. 

 

Our country is being shaken by the forces of evil. At this moment, it may seem permanent, but in the context of history, it is only temporary. It is our “light affliction, which is but for a moment.” We must keep our eyes on the unseen if we are to traverse our times successfully.

 

During the oppression of the Roman occupation, Jesus ministered to Israel. His message was not aimed at Rome but focused on the Kingdom of God. We can preach about the Kingdom of God and the cross of Jesus in any circumstance. Our lives may not be as comfortable as we would like, but this is only temporary. The Kingdom of God and eternal life are everlasting. 

 

Are you more concerned about your destiny than that of others? Don’t worry about this life—what you will wear, eat, or drink. Your heavenly Father knows you need all these things (Matthew 6:31-32). Don’t focus on yourself. Focus on those who don’t know Him. We are to go into all the world and preach the gospel to everyone (Mark 16:15). If you are consumed by the news and what is happening around you, you cannot fulfill Christ’s commission. Fear will paralyze you. But you are an overcomer in Christ!  You have the message of the Gospel and the authority that Jesus has given you! 

 

Are you confident that the Holy Spirit is working through you?

 

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).

 

The day will come…

 

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14).

 

You are the only Jesus that some people will ever encounter. Is your mandate from Jesus or from the world? Jesus is eternal, while this world is merely temporary. Focus on the eternal.

 

 

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