We take our sight for granted until it is taken away. As we get older, our eyesight diminishes, and we have to correct our vision or put greater trust in our other senses. To be honest, what we see with our eyes can be misleading and cause undue anxiety. Paul knew this very well when he tells us to focus on the eternal. The things we see today are temporary, but God is forever.
2 Corinthians 4:18
So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Don’t Have Tunnel Vision
Don’t you love how Paul words essential spiritual truths? Don’t focus on what you can see because it is temporary but instead focus on the eternal, which you can’t see. All of us are guilty of only looking at what is tangible. We don’t give a second thought to that which is spiritual or eternal because it isn’t right in front of our eyes. That is described as having tunnel vision, only seeing what is urgent and right now.
Train Your Mind
We have to train ourselves to focus on the unseen. Paul tells us in Colossians to keep our minds on things above (heaven). He also tells us to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Neither of these comes naturally. They even can be ridiculed by well-meaning Christians who tell us to be practical and grounded. Don’t let their criticism derail what God is calling you to do. Being heavenly-minded and Spirit-led are two marks of a believer who have put their full trust in the Lord.
Focus on the Eternal
Having eyes for the eternal means that you see things the way God sees them. You don’t get caught up in the worries of this world because you know that one day Jesus is coming back. Your hope isn’t in a solution some politician is professing but in the Creator of the Universe who has the whole world in His hands. What you see every day on the streets or your video screen all fits into God’s eternal plan. Put your trust in Him to handle it.