When we as Christians focus on the present circumstances, on the here and now, the hope we talk of is empty. We can easily sound like the mindfulness gurus who encourage their followers to look inside for the strength they need for success in realising their dreams.
Their confidence is in this world. Ours isn’t. After our time here is over, the sun will just be rising as we embark on eternity.
As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15, if our hope in Christ is limited to this life, “we are of all people, most to be pitied.” The expectation Jesus offers is eternal, not temporal. The future his death gives us is as yet, mostly unseen. Invisible yes, but still must radically affect how we live.
Having an eternal perspective allows for faith and patience to grow. It teaches us we don’t always need to react immediately to fix a problem. We can pray. We can wait for doors to open and solutions to present themselves. We have the luxury of resting in the sovereignty of a God who loves us, and has a plan we can trust. Instead of reacting myopically to short-term problems, we take a long term view.
Life’s challenges and even death can be faced with a sense of peace for our roots go deep into the rock of eternity instead of the shifting sands of the present.
No comments:
Post a Comment