Focusing On The Eternal
It is really amazing how many tasks we can do at the same time these days. It seems one screen or activity is no longer enough. We have to be watching a TV show or a movie while checking our phone. Or we plan out where each family member is going to be at what time so nothing is missed. Or we work on Project A while on a meeting preparing for Project B.
We have more stuff to buy. More places to go. More stuff to keep up with. More shows to pick between. More events to attend. And the self-driving car can’t teleport yet, so we’re still struggling to get everywhere and do everything.
We need to focus and prioritize. But on what? Paul reminds us that we need to focus on things that build up the kingdom of God:
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)
This is the busiest time of year. Holidays. Visiting family. Kid events. Big projects at work. It can also be a season of rest. A chance to reflect and reprioritize. A chance to take a break from distractions - or remove them altogether.
What does it mean to you to focus on the kingdom of God? More time at church? More time reading your Bible? Participating in a Bible study? Spending quiet time with God? Committing to these things on a weekly basis?
Or will it be more about showing God’s love to others? Will you serve in the community? Will you pray for those who are lost? Will you reach out to a family member in need or one you haven’t talked to in a while? Will you determine to use words that are encouraging and uplifting when you speak with others?
During the holiday season, most people want to focus on love, joy, peace – singing carols about the birth of Jesus, showing kindness to others. But when the holiday season is over, how will you continue to make an eternal impact?
By Jason Grace
Jason has been a member of Immanuel for 18 years. He serves in many places, including the Deacons, iKids, and Financial Peace University. He has been married for 18 years and has two kids. He is a software engineering manager.
We have more stuff to buy. More places to go. More stuff to keep up with. More shows to pick between. More events to attend. And the self-driving car can’t teleport yet, so we’re still struggling to get everywhere and do everything.
We need to focus and prioritize. But on what? Paul reminds us that we need to focus on things that build up the kingdom of God:
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)
This is the busiest time of year. Holidays. Visiting family. Kid events. Big projects at work. It can also be a season of rest. A chance to reflect and reprioritize. A chance to take a break from distractions - or remove them altogether.
What does it mean to you to focus on the kingdom of God? More time at church? More time reading your Bible? Participating in a Bible study? Spending quiet time with God? Committing to these things on a weekly basis?
Or will it be more about showing God’s love to others? Will you serve in the community? Will you pray for those who are lost? Will you reach out to a family member in need or one you haven’t talked to in a while? Will you determine to use words that are encouraging and uplifting when you speak with others?
During the holiday season, most people want to focus on love, joy, peace – singing carols about the birth of Jesus, showing kindness to others. But when the holiday season is over, how will you continue to make an eternal impact?
By Jason Grace
Jason has been a member of Immanuel for 18 years. He serves in many places, including the Deacons, iKids, and Financial Peace University. He has been married for 18 years and has two kids. He is a software engineering manager.
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