What's your focus?

The things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.           — 2 Corinthians 4:18

A company boasted that its anti-aging cream could “banish” wrinkles, and was asked to prove it in court. Findings showed that the cream did tighten skin, but only temporarily. The wrinkles were soon obvious again. Millions of people swallow such wild claims because they’ve believed the myths behind them: that the aging process is unacceptable and that undoing it is possible. The focus is on visible effects — all temporary — which is discouraging for those who trust in them.

In 2 Corinthians 4:16, Paul emphasized that physical decline is inevitable. He said, “Our outward man is perishing.” But Paul didn’t lose heart. Here’s why: “The inward man is being renewed day by day.” Because of this daily inner renewal, our focus doesn’t need to be on the visible things, which are temporary, but instead on the invisible things, which are eternal.

When eternity is our primary focus, we are more able to recognize the temporary nature of our troubles. Paul called these “momentary” and “light” compared to the greater weight of eternal gain and glory they are working for us (v.17). That’s not just another wild claim. It’s a promise of God’s Word, guaranteed by His power. This we can believe!

— Joanie Yoder

Beyond earth’s sorrows, the joys of heaven,

Eternal blessings with Christ my Lord;

Earth’s weeping ended, earth’s trials over,

Sweet rest in Jesus, O blest reward!

— Gilmore

READ: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18

Earthly troubles fade in the light of heavenly joys.

The Bible in one year:

• Isaiah 31-33