2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Thoughts from Katie Fox
Dive Deeper
Behind the Scenes
For me, this passage is a game changer! It challenges everything and every way I think. It is a complete paradigm shift.
Its so easy to focus on the here and now, the troubles that face us every day: bills, tension in our relationships, physical and mental health, the image we want to portray to those around us, etc. But this passage tells us that our bodies are wasting away. It really is amazing how much we fight for something so temporary. I can’t tell you how much I hear people talking about their retirement funds or the stock market and the next big investment. And while these things are not wrong, they can truly be a distraction form what is profoundly important.
Paul says earlier in the chapter “8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;” Paul had it rough! He was beaten, stoned, starved, and imprisoned for the cause of Christ. In comparison, I know that I can’t say I’ve had much in the way of persecution other than some name calling and possibly some people who chose not to befriend me. Paul understood what hard persecution was.
Make it Real
We live in a blessed nation where we really don’t have to worry about persecution. But maybe that’s part of the problem. We don’t realize we’re in a war. The enemy is here! He’s working hard to steal anything and everything he can to undermine and destroy what God create for His Kingdom. Satan is distracting us away from being impactful in the mission God has for us. He has led us to be comfortable in our nice warm houses, drinking our coffee, and looking for the newest toys and luxuries; left to figure out how to pay for it all.
Then, when we get what we’ve been after, Satan tells us it’s not enough. All the while our children are being stolen right from under our noses; lost in media, games, social standing and depression. Our coworkers don’t see a holy fire within us. They don’t see our love for the Church, for them, or their families. Because we look just like them. We’re distracted.
Paul called the persecution he was going through “light and momentary.” You see, Paul had a hope for and a perspective of eternity. He knew that what he did here on this earth effected his and everyone else’s eternity. Paul’s investment plan was not a 401k. Rather, his investment plan was his impact for the kingdom of God.
I feel that I just need to say this. The pursuit of comfort is a lie. For most of us we make ourselves uncomfortable to attain “comfort”. We work hard for our retirement; some for 60+ years all for 10-20 years of a life of ease. But then what? You die! And with potentially little to no eternal investment. Will our family and friends meet us in eternity in the glorious light of Jesus’s face? Or was it too uncomfortable to love them and give them the Good News of Jesus?
We are called to be on mission for Jesus. And when we’re on mission for Jesus, He promises to take care of our needs. “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Perhaps today you need to make that commitment to Jesus and His kingdom. If so, I’d ask you to pray with me
Jesse Garnett
ACF Devo Team
End in Prayer
Hey God,
Today I choose to pursue YOU instead of this world and the luxuries and comforts it holds. I choose your grace as my strength, your truth as my peace and your love as my comfort rather than the temporary and hallow promises of this world. Please remind me to be on mission for you and your kingdom redeeming the time, for the days are evil. May I live today for eternity rather than throw away eternity for today. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain! Amen!