An Eternal Perspective
I recently scrolled through Facebook for a specific purpose. I wanted to see an overview of some of the difficulties faced by individuals that crossed my timeline. The results were interesting and informative. Here are a few things that I learned.
- Some are trying to heal following the loss of a loved one.
- Some have family members fighting illnesses such as cancer.
- Some voiced concerns regarding perceived injustices in our society.
- Some are frustrated with government.
- Thousands could be in danger from a potential hurricane.
- A young child has a brain tumor.
This list represents one random five-minute period of scrolling. Please don’t misunderstand. Not everything that I saw would be categorized as difficult. I also saw parents celebrate their children’s accomplishments, families and friends enjoying time together, a catfish that looked too big to be real, and a squirrel with a funny haircut. If you are still reading this article and wonder why it is posted in our family life blog, please see it through to the end.
The above is a snapshot of the world in which we live. It brings sorrow, death, incredible joy, love, and laughter. Sometimes we are on top of the world and other times we wonder if the hurt will ever diminish even a little. Sometimes this world seems to supply a gift while other times we realize that life is truly not fair. If we are honest, we will clearly see that these things happen to both the wicked and the righteous. Before proceeding, please read 2 Corinthians 4.16 – 5.10. Given the characteristics of our world, this text offers us a needed perspective. More specifically, it provides an eternal perspective that I hope you consider.
Let’s reflect on the apostle Paul’s situation for a moment in relation to this text. Despite constant trouble, he did not lose heart. In contrast to the eternal weight of glory, he called even the most difficult earthly situations, “light momentary affliction.” Regardless of constant distractions, he focused on the unseen. He knew that if he was on this earth (in his tent), he would be burdened. Therefore, he found courage and walked by faith. In the end, he had one goal. His aim was to please God.
This world tends to distract us from our purpose. It consumes our strength and energy. It exhausts our emotions. It invites us to seek fulfillment outside of Jesus. An eternal perspective, like Paul had, does not make our difficulties suddenly easy. Rather, it helps us continually see through the fog and find clarity in God. It reminds us that we do possess something greater than this world has to offer – eternal life through Jesus. It also helps us to remember that others around us face similar difficulties, except without the hope of eternal life. This article is not a reminder that “life will be better.” I cannot make that promise because God did not make it. It is to call our attention to an encouraging message written nearly two thousand years ago. An eternal perspective, like Paul possessed, is a constant reminder of our purpose and priorities in this world.
Satan once asked the Lord an interesting question about a man named Job. He said, “Does Job fear God for no reason” (Job 1.9)? He implied that the only reason Job served God was because God placed a metaphorical bubble around him. Satan was wrong concerning Job. But what about you? Would you still love God with all your heart and serve Him as your number one priority if you knew He wouldn’t place you in a protective bubble? Apparently, our world is perfectly suited for God to truly know our hearts.