Things That Are Unseen

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
~2 Corinthians 4:16-18

We often hear these verses at funerals. They are used to give mourners comfort that their loved one is in a better place, whether it's true or not. However, while these verses are meant to give comfort to the living, it is for those who live for Christ. Our outer self is wasting away, in other words, our bodies are wearing out, and anyone over 40 knows this is absolutely true. Our vision goes, our joints creak, our backs ache - we are getting older and we begin to feel it more and more with each passing year. Yet, the verse tells us that while this is happening, our inner self is being renewed each day. That's what the Spirit of the Lord does for us as we grow in Him. We may have to deal with our mortal bodies aging, but life on earth is momentary when we compare our time here to eternity spent with the Lord. This life is what is seen and eternity is unseen, yet we know it exists. And it is our choice where we'll spend it. Either in eternal glory or eternal agony.

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:1-2)."

As we get older, we realize our lives are going to end and we begin to prepare for that eventuality. We have insurance, burial plans, and wills in place so our assets will go those we choose. We prepare for the end of our lives, but we don't always prepare for our eternal lives, which is by far more important. Do you know where you will spend eternity? If not, now is the time to choose. Prepare for your eternal life more carefully than you do for the end of your life; accept Christ as your Savior and have everlasting life.

"For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent Me has Himself given Me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. And I know that His commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told Me (John 12:49-50).”

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©2018 Marie McGaha