Look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. – 2 Corinthians 4:18
It is easy to get caught up in this tangible life with its cares, concerns, and ambitions. In the parable of the sower, one of the four types of soils was a person that heard the word, but the cares of the world choked it out (Matthew 13:22). That is why Paul encourages readers to “set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth” (Colossians 3:2). Today’s verse advises to “look not to the things that are seen but unseen.” What are those invisible things that believers are to “look at?”
Paul says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8). As Johnson Oatman, Jr., wrote in the hymn “Higher Ground,” let this be your prayer, “Lord, lift me up, and let me stand/By faith, on heaven’s tableland/A higher plane than I have found/Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Paying too much attention to the troubles in this world can lead to fear, anxiety, and depression – emotions that can cripple the Christian life. Setting your mind on faith, prayer, and thanksgiving brings confidence and joy, enabling you to live out the purpose God has planned for you. Pray for the United States, that its citizens and governing officials would open their eyes to the things above, to eternal truths, to loving God and others.
Today’s Verse: 2 Corinthians 4:18
as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Matthew 13:18-23
18 “Hear then the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
