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 NIV
I have lively and entertaining grandsons with a variety of entertaining personalities. Griffin, the youngest, is just turning six years old and Max, the oldest grandson, was fourteen in July. They are both bountifully loved and enjoyed by everyone. Personally, they are great pals. However, with all the love they have for each other, they have some wildly different perspectives. For instance, when we have a family birthday party, as we did for Max in July, Max is anxious to open the cards because he knows they will have money in them. It takes all the discipline he has to read the loving sentiments in the cards before breaking into a huge grin as he mentally totals the new addition to his stash. He is always saving for some big item that he really wants. His parents matched his savings for a computer. He has purchased video games. Currently he is saving for a “quality virtual reality system.” When Griff hears his hero cousin talk about the cool next purchase for which he is saving, he gets excited and thinks he would love that too.
But Griff’s youth and immaturity get the best of him. He would rather get a $15 toy immediately at his birthday party than a fifty dollar bill he must wait to go spend. Whatever money he gets burns the proverbial hole in his pocket. He can’t wait. He wants something right now. His parents are helping him grow and understand the wisdom of changing his focus from what he can have right now to the true value in what he can have if he goes for future best instead of temporary cheap thrills. Max started out with values like Griff’s, but they are long gone. He can resist temptation admirably because he keeps his focus on what he really values.
That’s what Paul urges us toward. He wants us to take a mature perspective, not focusing on the things that are merely temporary. The things that catch our eyes most often are the “here today, gone tomorrow” variety, easily cracked and broken. We pursue relationships, positions, success, and comfort that are quite temporary and of insignificant value when evaluated with God’s desires for us. Temporary things compete for our hearts. Getting an eternal perspective changes the way we use our time, money, relationships, talents, and opportunities. Living for the “Well done” of Jesus, not the “Way to go!” high fives of lesser accomplishments and people exhibits spiritual maturity, not the foolishness of a spiritual child.
We will never have long-term satisfaction if we are distracted by temporary toys and trinkets. We will not enjoy God’s intimate presence if we pursue inferior priorities. Every choice today has a consequence tomorrow.
- What permanent treasure are you tempted to trade for a temporary toy? Be honest with God and yourself.