When All is Said and Done…
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For 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. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
“Sticks and Stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me.”
Remember saying this in the heat of playground gang fights? Back in the day, words were our preferred weapon, with sticks and stones as the last resort to gain the number ONE position! Today it seems we are still playing the game! Still playing the same characters, positions, vying for the same outcomes as the children we once were.
Sticks and stones were used to beat into submission, and now we add destruction of property, fire, guns, and group intimidation to ensure the message is not only heard but seen. Words are still used, in fact they have become the torch that leads the parade and fires the evil passion to kill and destroy. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
Words can never hurt me? Wanna bet? EVERY word has the power to build or destroy, especially IF this earthly life is all we have. If the outer man is the only vessel, and it is decaying, then we are vulnerable to being eradicated or “canceled” (and then there was nothing) at the whim of those who wish to rid themselves of all they cannot tolerate (including themselves).
It is certainly true… our outer man is decaying! We see it in ourselves and those around us. We become obsessed with every detail, in order to believe we are doing fine, but then are compelled by reality to live the lie!
But God… Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. Genesis 2:7
What is this living being? A body, formed from the earth, to house the spirit of life, breathed into this body by God. We became the being, the only being, set apart to bear the image (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) of God. (Let Us make man into Our image, according to Our likeness;) We are a “living being” whose life does not end in dust. Therefore… “I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him! Luke 12:4-5
When all is said and done… it is not our outer body we should be consumed with, it is our inner body that should be our focus. More specifically, where this inner body (our spirit) will dwell for eternity and WHO ultimately decides.
Instead of compulsively viewing ourselves and others as the sum total of the details of the temporary, we need to seek God’s eternal view of each of us and follow His plan/path for getting us to eternity with Him in Heaven.
We should… look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen;
Knowing… the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal,
Trusting that… He is renewing our inner man day by day and that the temporary is only momentary, light affliction that is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.
After all is said and done, where will you spend eternity? The wages of sin is death – eternal death. If you look for the temporal – this earthly body – to keep you debt free or you hope there is no debt collection or debtor’s prison, you leave your eternal spirit in for a very rude awakening upon passing from earth into eternity.
It is our choice to believe in God or not. But, may I remind each of us that our choice NEVER changes the truth. You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. It is also our choice what we do with our belief or unbelief. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works (becoming like Jesus) is useless? James 2:19-20
Scripture says, “ Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” Romans 10:11 We have an eternal choice to make… for “ Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13
When all is said and done… without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 When all is said and done… choose you this day whom you will serve!
When all is said and done… forget the temporary, pursue the eternal!
Because… When All Is Said and Done…
If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17
**All Scripture quoted comes from the “Bible Gateway” app and is the NASB version of the Bible unless otherwise noted.