Subscription Lists
Today's Little Lift
by Jim Bullington
“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; emphasis mine, jb).
“We do not look at the things that are seen. [We do look] at the things which are not seen.” This is only a part of the paradoxes that are presented in this passage. How is it possible not to look at what one sees? Further, how is it possible to look at things that are not seen? Yet, this is exactly what Paul said that he and fellow-believers of the first century did. And in so claiming, he seems to commend these same actions to others, even to us. What is it that he says he does not do? And to extend the lesson further, what is it that he commends others to do in emulating him?
Like many, many other passages, the context of this passages yields the key to understanding. We can also observe that a chapter break (a man made convention) helps to obscure the true meaning of the text. So, rather than stop with the period that ends 2 Corinthians 4.16, READ ON! “For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven...” (2 Corinthians 5.1-2). The things which were seen but not looked at were the things of the flesh, the earthly elements that pertain to our carnal existence. In contrast, the unseen things that were looked at were the eternal elements toward which all believers strive; these are the rewards that await the faithful.
To look at the things that are seen is to take one's eye off the goal! An age old lesson of successful competitors is to focus, focus focus! Never let your mind's eye wander and allow distraction to take your eyes away from the desired prize. This is Paul's message in this paradoxical passage. Conversely, he counsels, keep your eye on the goal. Think only on those things that are helpful in achieving that for which you strive. Focus on the eternal reward that awaits after these light afflictions have ended! Consider the weight of glory that awaits as opposed to the flippant and passing things that tend to beset us now! Paul sounds like a competition coach in this text! In fact, that is exactly what he is; He is a life coach teaching and imploring us to strive with all our might to achieve the highest possible objective, the objective which God set for all but which so few seem to desire!
Someone objects and says, “Its just not natural!” Paul responds, “Right! That is precisely the problem. I am challenging you to do that which is not natural and train yourselves NOT to do that which the reflexes 'want' to do!” Again, our life coach teaches that which coaches of sports have been teaching for centuries, namely to ignore the voice of the natural (instincts) and to listen to the voice of the prize. Run when you can't run any more! Jump higher when you have reached your absolute peak! Add a bust of speed when you have gone the fastest of which you are capable! These words are the words of the winner! They are the words of our life coach! They are the words of God!
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3.1-2). Focus, focus, focus! Do not allow yourself to be distracted by circumstances; they will pass!
Questions:
1. In everyday life, are we taught to look at the unseen? If yes, list some examples.
2. How do sports figures apply the rule of looking at the unseen?
3. If we are not to look at the seen, to what does Paul want us to look?
4. Setting one's mind on things above is a noble challenge, but it is “unnatural,” it violates our instincts. How can we train ourselves to avoid this common pitfall on our journey toward heaven?
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "Today's Little Lift" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.