Mighty in spirit
We fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. – 2 Corinthians 4:18
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
16 Therefore, we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.
17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,
18 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.
As we journey through life, we usher in our golden years, a phase marked by two contrasting realities. On one hand, our physical bodies inevitably succumb to the ravages of time, we wear down, wear out, and eventually return to the earth from whence they came. On the other hand, aging brings its perks.
Aging is synonymous with the development of what’s known as crystallized intelligence. Crystallized intelligence is the accumulation of knowledge. This knowledge is accumulated from both education and life experience. As we age, our reservoir of knowledge or crystallized intelligence grows and becomes stronger. The learning journey is never-ending; there’s always something new to discover or understand.
The ultimate benefit lies in honing our ability to utilize this accumulated wisdom effectively. The way we see, understand, and navigate our way through the world becomes characterized by wisdom. Wisdom, after all, is the practical application of knowledge; that is, wisdom is putting our knowledge to good use.
However, more significant than the growth of crystallized intelligence is the growth of our spirit. Our human spirit can grow stronger as we grow closer to the Father and learn to rely upon Him. This is possible for every child of the King. John the Baptist is an impressive example of spiritual growth. Luke makes a very salient observation.
Luke 1:80 The child continued to grow and to become strong in spirit.
The human spirit is capable of growing stronger and stronger when exercised and developed over time. The apostle Paul shows us the way.
“Paul’s sufferings, while not fatal, were destroying his body. Nevertheless, even this did not discourage him for even though physically he was decaying, spiritually he was still developing” (Constable). Paul underwent a complete paradigm shift. What sparked this transformation? From a human viewpoint, it was entirely unexpected.
Romans 5:2-5
2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope.
5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
The trials and tribulations that Paul faced and overcame transformed him. He now had the Father’s perspective. This eternal perspective focused on the hope that things to come sustained Paul during the temporary sufferings that marked his life. “What is seen (the material) is temporary, but what is unseen (the spiritual) is eternal” (BKC).
REFLECT & PRAY
What we see is informed by what we expect to see. When our eyes are earthbound, we are restricted by what is perceptible in the physical world.
Father open the eyes of my heart to see things as they really are, not as they appear to be to my limited human eyes.
INSIGHT
He had learned to view things through the Father’s lens. Paul sees as the Father sees. The eyes of Paul’s heart had become enlightened (Ephesians 1:18). He could now see the unseen. The Father Himself is unseen by human eyes. But with the eyes of faith, the eyes of the heart, He becomes visible. The Father and all that He had revealed and promised had become more real and substantial than what Paul could see with his physical eyes.
Like Moses, Paul was able to persevere and overcome hardship.
Hebrews 11:27 [Moses] kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.
Paul was convinced that his sufferings and hardship in this life were fleeting and momentary.
2 Corinthians 4:18 The things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
The Scriptures present an intriguing paradox permeated with irony. The physical things that we see now seem durable and lasting. However, they are, in reality, temporary, ephemeral, transient, and fleeting. The eternal realities of the Father and eternity, which we cannot see with our physical eyes, are lasting and eternal.
Eternal, invisible realities become clear and vibrant as transient, visible realities fade and become dim. The challenges of temporary discouragement diminish. Paul was mighty in spirit. His spirit was being renewed day by day. Even as Paul’s outer physical existence was breaking down, often unprotected, abused, beaten, and frequently left for dead, the Father renewed him inwardly every day. He became stronger and stronger in his spirit. He became increasingly robust as he responded in faith to the adversities he faced. Instead of dragging him down, they served as opportunities to experience great joy.
James 1:2-4
2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
4 So let it grow . . ..
“God will never be a debtor to anyone. That means that any ‘sacrifice’ we make or hardship we endure for His sake and by His Spirit, He will amply reward out of all proportion to what we suffered” (Stanley).
“It’s easy to grow old if you haven’t grown up” (John Hively).
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 8-08-1
© Dr. H 2023
Dr H Reflections 