Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.** Hebrews 11:1-2 (NIV)**
Our faith enables us to see things rightly, Amen? It helps us to check our often selfish and deluded hearts against seeking only present satisfactions and the desires near at hand. It keeps us from living only for what our eyes can see or our hands can touch. While the pleasures of sin are short, they carry a great deal of influence over us as they are so presently visible – not too dissimilar to the apple in the garden for our original parents. And Paul admonishes us in Colossians 3:1-4 (NIV): “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” We forgo much by pursuing only what the eye can see. It matters greatly how we live this one life we have been given. Our present difficulties are temporary and our faith reminds us of the endless delights to follow. Also, there are no do-overs in this life. No practice runs. And we are not to be too much in love with this present world.
Many often part with the joys of heaven for the present satisfaction of the pleasures near at hand. They simply have more influence over us. Not too dissimilar to Esau who sold his birthright for a single meal. Yet, what we part with for a little pleasure, or a little gain is not worth the tradeoff. We are to follow our Lord’s example and set our hearts and minds on things above – not on earthly things which are all perishing. Sadly, many simply live by sense rather than by faith. Therein lies the bait. Things that are present – tasted, felt and seen - take precedence over the world to come which is unseen. And Paul reminds us in Romans 8:18 (NIV): “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” A pretty strong statement considering what Paul walked through on earth. He determined it was better to go to heaven with labor than to hell with much pleasure. This also made Moses greatly victorious as we read in the “Hall of Fame” Chapter Eleven in Hebrews 11:26 (NIV): “He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.” Looking forward to our heavenly glory - of which the great Apostle writes our mere troubles are not worth comparing - will greatly influence our lives. And God will be no man’s debtor.
It is all about correct priorities. God delights in sweetly giving us things to enjoy presently yet we are not to live for them. We are to live for Him, maintaining a sense of eternity upon our hearts. Paul did not want to run or labor for nothing and neither should we. He did not live as only unto himself. Rather, he poured out his life like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from other’s faith and was glad and rejoicing.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:1-7 (NIV)