MORNING MANNA 11-20-21
THE KEY TO KEEPING ON
“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” – 2 Cor. 4:16-18
First, notice the word “look” in vs. 18. It means “to take aim at”. Sadly most people have their sights set on things that do not and cannot satisfy – nor supply what’s needed. In showing us what Paul was focused on he gives us two simple points. He tells us we must —
— Look beyond the visible to the invisible. He gave basically the same advice in Col. 3:1-2. Sadly most people fail because they are blinded by Satan ( 2 Cor. 4:4) and until they are saved they will never be able to live as they should. However, sometimes even we Christians fail. We here in America have it so good that we are distracted from what matters most. Rather than having the attitude of Paul ( Phil. 3:7-8) we treasure the things of the world, and that always ends in disappointment.
— Look beyond the temporal to the eternal. That’s the very essence of faith which is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen’ (Heb. 11:1). Yet most folks focus on things they see, things that won’t last, things they will lose. How many people do you know that are actually living as though eternity is more important than the present? Few I would guess. I know, some often think about heaven and eternity occasionally, but I’m talking about more than that. I’m talking about seeing the value of unseen things that are eternal and committing yourself to the pursuit of things that pay eternal dividends. Seeing the importance of that will keep you going when you’re facing hard times in life.
If you doubt this will work just consider Paul and all he endured for Christ. If he could, we can, because we serve the same God – the God “that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20). Live each day with these things in mind and you can overcome whatever comes against you. It will provide peace you never thought was possible. – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
