Looking Unto the Unseen

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
- 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Paul writes to the church in Corinth that although they be afflicted, and cast down, although they are persecuted, troubled on every side that these tribulations are, indeed light, and for a moment. Though around them circumstances seem unfavourable their affections are set on those things that are heavenly, those things which are eternal and cannot be seen.

The pleasures of this earth are not hidden but, rather, are in plain sight, and appear appealing and satisfying. The devil, knowing that his time is short, determinedly, seeks to entice us, and goes out of his way to lure us with the pleasures of sin, the pride of life, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes.

When Jesus was in the wilderness, it was the devil himself, who took Him to the exceeding high mountain and showed Christ all the kingdoms and glory of this world. Satan brought before the eyes of Christ a beautiful and glory-filled panorama of palaces and kingdoms and declared that these would be Christ’s, if He would only bow down before the deceiver. However, Christ knew that the Kingdom which was His Father’s in Heaven was worth much more than the temporal monarchies on earth, although He could not see the Kingdom, He set his mind heavenward. The affliction therefore proved to be light and Christ, although on this degraded and dark world, looked with eyes of faith to the Kingdom awaiting Him.

There also should our affections be directed, though our wily woe seek to distract and detract our eyes from the King, let us be as Moses ‘choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.’

Let us seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, knowing that this will work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, because all things that we desire will be added unto us. (So long as they be in accordance to His will)

Let not our selfish desire for so-called happiness, detract us from the beauties of Christ, but let our desire and hunger for righteous lift our eyes unto the One who is righteous. For, he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous.


Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.- 1 John 2:14-16

LiFE Ministries Team

All Bible verses are taken from the King James Version 1611. -
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
1 John 2:16
Hebrews 11:25-26
Matthew 6:33
1 John 3:7