| Remember: You’re Not Home Yet |
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| By Rick Warren — Jun 12, 2015 |
“For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever.” (2 Corinthians 4:18 TEV)
As you strive to reach the goals that God has given you, it’s important to remember that life on Earth is just a temporary assignment. Knowing this truth should radically alter your values and fix your attention on the things that are eternally important.
As C. S. Lewis observed, “All that is not eternal is eternally useless.”
It is a fatal mistake to assume that God’s goal for your life is material prosperity or popular success as the world defines it. The abundant life has nothing to do with material abundance. Faithfulness to God does not guarantee success in a career or even in ministry. Never focus on temporary crowns.
Paul was faithful, yet he ended up in prison. John the Baptist was faithful, but he was beheaded. Millions of faithful people have been martyred, have lost everything, or have come to the end of life with nothing to show for it. But the end of life is not the end!
The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 4:18, “For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever” (TEV).
When life gets tough, when you’re overwhelmed with doubt, or when you wonder if living for Christ is worth the effort, remember that you are not home yet. At death you won’t leave home — you’ll go home.
Talk It Over
- Think of the goals you strive toward each day. How does your effort reflect an eternal perspective?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wK-DcTws2o&list=RD5wK-DcTws2o
- How should an eternal perspective affect your relationships? Your attitude? Your witness?
- Why do you think God blesses you financially or in your career if earthly crowns are not important?
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| Today’s Scripture |
“This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.”
(Joshua 1:8, AMP) |
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| Observe to Do |
When you speak the Word of God, something powerful takes place in your life. That’s why this verse says to not let it depart from your mouth. In other words, keep speaking and confessing the Word of God—no matter what your circumstances seem like. When you keep God’s Word in your mind, heart and mouth, it empowers you to obey all of the Lord’s commands. Do you need strength today to overcome temptation? Do you need power to walk in love? Declare what the Word of God says about your situation. Declare that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
Notice what this verse says will happen when you are walking in obedience to God’s Word: The Word of God is the key to having abundance and success in every area of your life. As you continue to speak the Word of God, you will be empowered in every area of your life, and you will live the life of victory the Lord has in store for you!
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| A Prayer for Today |
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| “Father, thank You for Your Word which gives me strength and hope. Fill me with Your power so that I can obey Your Word and walk in victory. I bless You and praise You today in Jesus’ name. Amen.” |
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