Sight vs Faith
“While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:28)
Temporary vs Eternal Perspective
We learn in this verse that a mind set on the temporary world is not God’s BEST for us. God has a heavenly perspective in mind for us and desires to give us His bird’s eye view from His heart. Thus, a mind set on earthly things is the natural, but a mind set on things above is spiritual.
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:1-2)
Heavenly Perspective
Understanding that the direction of our thoughts determines the focus of our attention is crucial. As believers, being spiritually positioned with Christ in the heavenly realms enables us, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to perceive things from a heavenly perspective. We have the ability to view the earthly realm from a higher vantage point, reminding us of our authority in Christ. If all you see is negative, perhaps your mind is not positioned with Christ in the heavenlies. Perhaps your thoughts are on natural things of this world, keeping you from seeing things the way God sees them.
Faith Beyond Sight
Living in what we know versus living in what we don’t know is a constant challenge. God called Abraham the father of many nations despite the deadness of Sarah’s womb. Abraham never saw the nations that would come from his seed, but he lived as though those things existed in his lifetime. This is the whole premise of Hebrews 11, often called “The Roll Call of Faith.” Abraham, like many other pillars of faith, never received their promises but still lived as though they did – this is what faith looks like. Living spiritually in the promise with a mindset on what God sees instead of our reality here on earth.
“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” (Hebrews 11:13)
Living in the natural offers a life where you wonder if your promise will ever come true, but living according to the Spirit offers the mindset that it has already happened.
Challenge Question:
Are you living in the natural, focusing only on what you can see, or are you stepping into the Spirit, trusting in God’s eternal perspective? How can you shift your mindset to see things as God sees them and live by faith, not by sight?
To learn more on this topic, check out this YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaMLikcR9YvY8Tn58k1rM-2CxmZzJKvOq&si=IDnyq2MQ6sW0SZXy
Read: Your West Side Story: https://lisa-schwarz.com/your-west-side-story/
