Learning To Let Go Of The Eternally Useless

In summary of 2 Corinthians 4:18 it says,

“So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever”

Bottom Line:

Don’t focus on things or problems we currently see, rather focus on the those things that cannot be seen.  For what we see today will not last.  Things that we don’t see will last forever.

What this means to me:

This passage reminds me that there is far more in life than meets the eye.  I should not focus and give attention to the things and troubles I currently see.  As they will not last.  Rather I should focus on things that cannot be seen as they are the ones really matter and will last forever.  It is vitally important for me to remember that life on earth is only a temporary assignment.  With this perspective in mind I can adjust my values and what I fix my attention to on the eternally important things.  "All that is not eternal is eternally useless. - C. S. Lewis"   It would be a fatal mistake for me to assume that God’s purpose for me was only material or just popular success (what the world usually values.)  In God’s perspective an abundant life has nothing to do with material abundance at all.   Faithfulness to God will not always guarantee success in a career or even in my ministry.  I should never focus on the temporary crowns of this life.  Examples in scripture; Paul was faithful - yet he ended up in prison,. John the Baptist was faithful - but he was beheaded, help illustrate this.  But the end of this life is not the end at all!  So I need to remember that when life gets tough for me, when I’m feeling overwhelmed with doubt, or even wondering if living for Christ is worth the effort, I only need to remember that I’m not home yet.  Upon my death I won't be leaving home - i’ll actually be going home.