Many today have a shortsighted view of life with self-gratification, pleasure, and the now (present) being as far as they can see; grasping for every emotional high, material gain, and fleshly pleasure they can find, with little or no thought about God, the heart cry of other people, or the eternal tomorrow. Sadly many “Christians” become caught up in this spirit of the age, preferring to run with the Ostriches rather than soaring with the Eagles! Jesus warned His disciples in Luke 21:34, “take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares (distractions and solicitude) of this life, and that day come upon you unexpectedly.” The world system has a way of distracting and soliciting us with both weights and sins that will ensnare us. Hebrews 12:1 says “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us.” The Bible cure for shortsightedness is found in Colossians 3:2: “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” Jesus, who is our pattern, endured everything the world threw at Him, including the cross and the shame, yet He was focusing on “the joy that was set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2). Like “those who run in a race” (1 Corinthians 9:24), may we focus on the prize at the end of the race, and not the distractions around us or the sweat and toil of the race. “Run in such a way that you may obtain” that prize!
(Roses thoughts for today differ from the usual rhyme, taking on the form of prophetic utterance, not that of foretelling, but that of forth-telling. Scripture references are provided at the end for your further confirmation of these truths.)
Something Great In View If You Aren’t Shortsighted
-By Rose Hill
I have something better and greater in view for you than the things of this world, saith God. Are you short-sighted? Can you not see beyond this life to eternal things? (Verse 1)
Look away from everything that would distract you and look unto your loving Savior. (Verse 2)
When you really see His love for you, and His death and suffering to save you from eternal punishment, you will be willing to deny yourself, fast, pray, and seek God. (Verse 3)
You will seek His power and consider it more important to please God than to please yourself. Don’t be short-sighted and only see the things of this life. You will live eternally and what you do now will determine how happy you will be beyond this life. So get your vision corrected and look far into the future. Do you want to suffer with the people of God now and then go to the Promised Land, or will you see only this life and suffer with those who are lost eternally? (Verse 4)
I have many wonderful things prepared for those who can see beyond this world and prepare themselves for the blessings of the kingdom of God. (Verse 5)
So look beyond to the land of perfect bliss that I have prepared for those who are willing to deny themselves and live for Me. (Verse 6)
A land where streets are made of gold and where many rewards are given; My land is far more glorious than anything you have ever experienced in this life. So seek spiritual things and you will live in My eternal home forever and ever. (Verse 7)
1. Hebrews 11:40
2. Hebrews 12:2
3. John 13:1
4. Matthew 16:24
5. 1 Peter 5:10
6. Hebrews 11:25
7. Revelation 21
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Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson Co .and are used by permission.