Focus on Eternity

As you read these verses selected from 2 Corinthians 2-4, think of eternal things:

"For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,..." (2:15).

"Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming form us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but he Spirit gives life." (3:5-6).

"For if what was being brought to an end [law of Moses] came with glory, much more will what is permanent [ministry of the Spirit and righteousness] have glory." (3:11).

"And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing." (4:3).

"For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you." (4:11-12).

"Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, 'I believed, and so I spoke, [Ps 116:10]' we also believe, and so we also speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence." (4:13-14).

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." (4:16-18).

Do you get the feel of radical faith, passionate perseverance and endurance full of hope and expectation? In Christ we have the victory! In 2 Corinthians 2:14, Paul exclaimed, "But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere." He said that while describing intense physical, mental and spiritual suffering and persecution. Despite all the "momentary afflictions", we must look to the one who is faithful - Jesus Christ our Lord. Oh, that I was more of the aroma of Christ spreading the knowledge of God to everyone around me! Help me, Lord, to do just that.