2 Corinthians 4:18

Scripture

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.

Observation

Faith goggles are what we are called to use to look at people and situations. Our physical sight see's temporal things. What are temporal things? This house, these clothes, this body. And what are the eternal things? Well when I did some research I was blown away all the things that are eternal that we can't physically see. Moreover, we have a choice on what eternal path to take. We can choose to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died for our sins, that He rose again 3 day's later, and that by His generous gift of grace we are saved. Then we pick up our cross and follow Him.

God doesn't promise that this path will be easy if you choose it. In John 16:33, Jesus say's in this world you WILL have trouble (emphasis mine). However, He does promise that you will have purpose for your suffering. These momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal reward that we can't begin to comprehend (2 Cor. 4:17).

Here is of what we can expect at our eternal destination if we choose to follow Christ:

God (Gen. 21:33), Love (1 Kings 10:9), Praise to God (Psa. 111:10), God's righteous laws (Psa. 119:160), God's Kingdom (Daniel 4:3), Spiritual Life (Matt. 19:29), glory (2 Cor. 4:17), eternal house (2 Cor. 5:1), eternal encouragement (2 Thess. 2:16), eternal redemption (Heb. 9:12), eternal covenant (Heb. 13:20), eternal inheritance (Heb. 9:15), eternal gospel (Rev. 14:5).

However, there is a second path that we can choose and sadly it is the road most traveled. We choose to feed our flesh and focus on the temporary things of this world (John 6:27). And just like the first path there are things we can expect when we reach this destination.

Here is what we can expect at our eternal destination if we do not follow Christ:

Eternal judgment (Heb. 6:2), eternal fire (Matt. 18:18), punishment (Matt. 25:46), and the eternal sin: blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:29).

Application

Many times we wake up in the day and never think about where we are going, and what our destination is. But when we are intentional about our destination our mind and action begin to change. I choose to be intentional about the destination that I am traveling. I look around and see a lot of people who think they are going to heaven, but the path they are taking doesn't lead to that destination at all. How many people set out for a New York, but buy a California map and begin traveling west? And then are shocked when they end up in California? Yet, that is exactly what many of us our doing.

Prayer

Jesus You paid the price for my sin. You both made and paved the way for eternal life and where there are rewards that me feeble mind cannot imagine. And what do you ask of me? You ask me to believe You, to follow You, and to love You above all else. You equip me, You lead me, You strengthen me, and Lord You bless me. How it must break Your heart that so many are traveling the path of destruction, when You have already paid the price for their eternal life. I pray today for the heart, Lord, that You are drawing to Yourself right now. Those even close to my own heart, who are unaware of Your love for them. O LORD, I pray that many hearts would open their doors to You today and allow You to become their Shepherd, giving them eternal life.