“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light 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.” 2 Corinthians 4:16–18
Seen and unseen
The first commandment calls us to worship, love, and trust in God more than anything else. Do you know where the word “worship” comes from? It literally means to ascribe worth to something. It’s very close to the word “worth.” Make sense?
Why are we tempted to ascribe ultimate worth to, or worship, things that are not God? One reason may be because these things are seen and experienced in everyday life. Another is, these things are good. So, we often see, touch, taste, and hear many really great things in God’s creation. But just because something is readily accessible and good doesn’t mean that they can be a suitable replacement for God. Good things that God has made can turn into really bad things.
It’s hard to remember this sometimes. All this good stuff is so engrained in our lives. But God has made them good, so that he would be the one worshiped.
Read
- Why does Paul, the author of this letter to the church in Corinth, encourage us to focus on things that are unseen?
- What are some “seen” things that you are tempted to worship instead of God?
- What should we do when we realize we might be worshiping something other than God?
Pray
Father, thank you for giving us so many amazing gifts. Help us to remember that all the gifts that you have given us are not you and should never replace you. Help us to love you, the giver of these gifts, more than the gifts themselves. In Jesus’ name, amen.
This devotion is adapted from the Ten Commandments Study Guide.
