Audits & Resolutions - Day 16

Write From My Heart / December 16, 2020 / Audits & Resolutions – Day 16

Question: Do I let small things irritate me?

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV) For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For  what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Colossians 3:2 (NIV) Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…

Things that are seen: worldly possessions, money, war, strife, conflict, human conditions…

            These things are temporary.

Things that are unseen: love, peace, hope, patience, kindness, grace, mercy, trust, faith, joy…

            These things are eternal.

            Focusing on the little or large troubles in life generally only succeed in rerouting us onto the path of constant complaining, discontentment, anger, and frustration. Most of us have ancestors who reminded us, “This, too, shall pass” or something of the equivalent. Problems come and go—that is the inevitable fact of living in an imperfect world. However, when we fix our eyes on Jesus Christ, both the little and the large irritations in life are placed in their proper perspective—they  are temporary and belong only to this world—they will cease to exist when this world is cleansed at the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. At that point we will realize all our complaining and discontentment will have been for naught—wasted time and energy.

2 Peter 3:13-14 (NIV)  But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

            Instead of focusing on troubles and irritations, let us focus on Christ. Focus on those things which bring peace, hope, and joy. Love each other. Trust your Heavenly Father. Remain strong in your faith. Be patient and kind toward others. These are the things which will endure.

Resolution: Complain less.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive us when our focus shifts to the world and temporary troubles. Teach us to treasure those things that are unseen by us yet valued by you as we focus on Christ.

            In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, Amen.