“Perspective is everything.” I’ve heard that phrase many times and, for the most part, I agree. I mean, a positive mental attitude is especially helpful in times of great challenge and distress. Indeed, we often encourage one another with expressions like, “Hang in there” or, “Keep a stiff upper lip,” or the banal granddaddy of all encouragement: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”
I appreciate highly motivated people who can think positively and cheer up others along the way. After all, nobody likes to be around a “Debbie Downer,” someone whose incessant negativity saps the life and energy out of anyone standing within five feet.
At the same time, however, positive platitudes can only do so much to help “turn that frown upside down.” Truth is we live in a messed-up, sin-cursed, and fallen world. We hurt. And frequently we have to plod ahead in spite of our hurt. The job won’t wait. The family needs us. We’ve got to keep going. Like an injured athlete, we often have to “play hurt.” So how do we endure times of duress and great difficulty?
In the eighth chapter of the Book of Romans, the Apostle Paul writes about blessings Christians enjoy. Chief among them is the blessing of total forgiveness of all sin through faith in Jesus Christ. As Paul continues writing, however, he addresses the fact that Christians will suffer persecution for their faith. The wider application of his teaching includes all kinds of difficulties and hurts people face in this world.
In the middle of this favorite chapter of many, Paul makes a striking statement that reminds us of the power of perspective. He writes, “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).”
Imagine whatever the Christian faces here—however great the loss, however deep the hurt—it is nothing to be compared to the “glory which shall be revealed.” That is, however painful and difficult the days of this present age, the Christian will one day receive the fullest measure of his or her heavenly inheritance, and the beauty and splendor of all received on that day will totally eclipse the hurts of this day.
This encouraging teaching is similar to that found in another place where Paul seeks to comfort followers of Christ. He writes, “Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory…for the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).”
Could anything be more encouraging? If you are a Christian, take heart! One day you will live in a glorious state where you will forever forget the sufferings of this present age. And if you are not a Christian, God wants to save you from an eternity of suffering. Turn to Christ. Live for Him. Share in this heavenly perspective.
What About You?
- Consider taking time right now to read Romans chapter 8.
- With whom can you share this heavenly perspective this week?
- Need more information about how to become a Christian? See here.
Wordpress Comments: