Seen and unseen

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18
In the context of this verse, Paul is writing to the Corinthians about physical hardship versus eternal glory. He is telling them not to be discouraged by the trials they are facing, because they have an eternal reward waiting. But the principle can also apply to temporal prosperity versus eternal poverty. As Jesus said, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36).
There are many things in this world that are seen, and equally many that are unseen. It’s easy to get caught up in pursuing things we can see, because it’s easier to know what they are and what they are worth. But Paul gives us an insight here: all the things we can see with our physical eyes are temporary and will one day disappear. We know this in our hearts – it doesn’t matter how many possessions or how much money you accumulate, because ‘you can’t take it with you’ – yet it can be hard to break free from the pursuit of these things.
We need to focus on, spend our energy on, spend our time on, eternal things. Things like allowing the fruit of the Spirit to develop in our lives, ministering to others, teaching our children the things of God, devoting time to prayer and studying the Word – things that will bring eternal rewards.