The things which are not seen are eternal
The things which are not seen are eternal
By Evangeline Unity Esaaba Folson
While we look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
The Bible in Basic English translation says:
While over minds are not on the things which are seen, but on the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are for a time; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
The Holman Christian Standard Bible say,
So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen; for what is seen is temporal, but what is unseen is eternal.
There are three phrases that need elaboration:
- Do not focus on your circumstances
Isaiah 26 : 3
Matthew 6:19 – 21
- Things that are seen
1 Samuel 16:7
1 Peter 3:3-4
- Things that are not seen
1 Samuel 13:14
Galatians 5:22-23
Do not focus on your circumstances
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.
Once your mind is set on the word of God, the promises of God and the reassurance that God is able to do all things, then you will not be worried or confused by challenging situations.
So do not consider how tight your budget is, the bible says the silver and the gold are for the Lord, (Haggai 2:8) pray and keep trusting, He will provide all your need (Philippians 4:19)
Matthew 6:19 – 21
Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The passage above is trying to caution Christians about setting their priorities. Do not spend all your time working to acquire. Wealth here on earth that can easily be stolen or destroyed. Spend more time on things of eternal value like winning souls for the Kingdom of God. If you cannot participate in crusades and big programs!
- You can pray for the success of the program
- You can give other possessions. For example when churches organize crusades in rural areas they ask for clothes and shoes.
As well as other accessories people in the village cannot acquire easily. As you support the church, you are setting the stage to receive more blessings from God like receiving the peace of God which helps you to remain calm ever, in challenging situations.
Things that are seen
1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature! Because I have refused him! For the Lord seeth as man seeth! For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
This verse is saying that if you make decisions based on things that are seen or outward appearance you will be misled.
For example, if you go to the stock market and you want to invest in a company that will continue to make more profit in order to pay you more divided, do not only look at the price of the stores of the trend, how it seems to be rising, Do some research, look for their financial statement, look at their business development plan etc. Because a company may have low share prices and dividends now but the business plan they are implementing will yield more profit in the next 3-5 years as as compared to the one making high profit now.
In the same way, as only God can see what is in the heart of man, it is better to pray for directions when making decisions.
1 Peter 3:3-4
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of weaving gold or of putting an of apparel: But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
The passage above is admonishing us not to place too much emphasis on our outward appearance. Because things that are seen cloths, accessories hairstyles are of little value, they are temporary things, Rather we should concentrate on developing our inner man and heart. This is what will give us a place in heaven.
Things that are not seen
1 Samuel 13:14
…… the Lord hath sought Him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over His people, because thou hast not kept that which the Lord commanded thee.
According to the verse above, the Lord loves people who are faithful and keep His commands or obey His commands. Faithfulness and obedience are not things that can be seen or they are not tangible. The Lord however, values such things.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such thee is no low.
The passage above gives the character traits that the Lord values. These are all things that are not seen or not tangible but they are of eternal value.
Conclusion
The conclusion of the matter is that we should spend more time developing our inner man and character which are of eternal value.
Reference
