“So 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
We live in a culture obsessed with success. And this success is defined by winning…by being first…by being the best. It’s epitomized by the modern American Dream: Set your goal, work hard, and you can achieve anything. More often than not, the goal is a temporary one like a bigger house, a newer car, or a promotion at work. None of these, in and of themselves, are bad things…but are they the best things? Perhaps the more important question is: Do we have to depend on Christ for any of these things, or can we achieve them ourselves?
I believe that our greatest and most important life goals should be that which we cannot achieve. That sounds crazy, doesn’t it? Let me explain. As Christ followers, our goals and desires should require the strength of Christ, keeping us dependent on Him for success. Think about that statement. What kinds of goals require the Holy Spirit’s presence and work through you? Selflessness requires Christ. Leading others to Christ requires His power and not your own. A biblical marriage is unattainable without the grace of God. Giving sacrificially cannot be done without Jesus. These are just a few.
In order to live a life beyond what makes us happy, we must choose to see the bigger picture. What does it mean to “fix our eyes” on that which cannot be physically seen? How is that even possible? It sounds ridiculous, and yet that is what the Apostle Paul exhorts us to do. The word “fix” in this verse means, “To direct attention to; to contemplate.” The idea here is to direct the focus, not of our physical eyes, but of our heart’s attention, to what the Bible tells us matters the most. What matters most is Christ and His glory. What matters most is that one day every person on this planet will face the judgment seat of the One True God. What matters most might be invisible now, but it will echo into eternity.
So as we live each day, let’s choose to wear our “Eternity-Colored Glasses” to see what truly matters most. Let’s not waste our lives on things that won’t even matter a year from now, much less 100 years from now. And most importantly, let’s remember to live in constant dependence on Christ.
Dear Lord, I want to focus on what matters most in the grand scheme of eternity, rather than getting distracted by the fleeting things in front of me. Please grant me an eternal perspective so that I might prioritize what you want me to focus on. In Jesus' name, amen.
Topics: Holy Spirit
