Contentment is found in the heart of those who set their spiritual hope on eternal things. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 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.”
The Apostle Paul paid the cost of preaching the gospel and teaching God’s word. (2 Corinthians 1:8) He suffered physical afflictions (2 Corinthians 12:7) and persecution. (2 Corinthians 6:3-10) He knew disappointment in trusting people in ministry (Acts 15:38) and in being betrayed by those who hated his work with the Lord. (2 Timothy 4:14-15) Therefore, he was given truths that would keep us from becoming discouraged in spite of overwhelming odds.
The fact is our human bodies are getting older and they are more acceptable to illnesses and weakness that will sooner or later push us into the river of physical death. Holy Spirit illuminated Christians still serve the Lord with their bodies in full strength, knowing that some day they will get a resurrected body that will be imperishable and be clothed with immortality. Christians who set their hope on eternal things rejoice in the writings of the Apostle Paul, “Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed–in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:50-56)
There will be a day when Christians will fully enjoy the eternal victory that Christ won for us on the Cross and in His raising from the dead. Therefore, give Him your best effort in the strength he provides! Set your hope on eternal truths!
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