Thursday, March 17 – 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Have you ever heard the phrase “keep your eyes on the prize?” This is often used in sports training, to keep one focused when the obstacles ahead seem overwhelming. Keeping our eyes on the goal ahead helps us endure the difficulties that must be overcome to reach the end. In our faith, the prize ahead of us is life forever with God in heaven. The reward is not in things we can see or quantify but is invaluable and far above what we can understand. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 says, “For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 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.” When we keep our eyes on what is eternal, it changes how we live day-to-day.

The reality is it is hard to keep our eyes on what we cannot see when we have so many things fighting for our attention here and now. We can thank God that we have His Word and His promises that keep us anchored to the truth and the prize ahead when it is hard to see past the present moment. When we have set our eyes on His promises and not only the things that give us a comfortable life here and now, we can share freely with others. When we do this, we trade in our aspirations to build a better life on earth in exchange for eternal investments. This is not easy. It is a sacrificial work that is often painful and inconvenient but as we keep our focus on the prize ahead of us, we can endure through the power of the Holy Spirit.

• How does keeping your “eyes on the prize” change how you live in each moment?
• How can you be reminded of your eternal reward in heaven? How would that change how you live today?
• Pray and ask God to give you an eternal perspective as you seek to love and serve others.