For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
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 4:17 – 18)
In a way, Paul’s words seem to be contradictory. How can a person look at things that they cannot see? It is possible because we can see things with our hearts that we cannot see with our physical eyes.
For we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)
The “normal” for a Christian is to see with their heart. Most Christians do not live this way. Instead, their vision is limited to what can be experienced by the five physical senses.
Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. (2 Corinthians 5:16)
God interacts with us via our spirit. He views us through the completed work of Jesus Christ and not on our works!
Can you imagine what society would look like if we approached people as God does us? He does not look at our exterior, so issues like nationality or the color of a person’s skin are irrelevant to Him.
Most Christians live “carnal” lives and view other people based on skin color, economic status, or nationality. We prefer ministers based on the “size” of their ministries and reject people who may not look or dress the way we think they should.
I believe that the reason for this is our lack of spiritual awareness. Few Christians seem to have any revelation of their position in Christ Jesus. The majority only know themselves according to their natural lives.
If we arranged to meet and I asked you to describe yourself, you could tell me your identifying characteristics. These would include whether you are a man or woman, short or tall, and blond or brunette hair. You could describe your natural characteristics, but what would you say if I asked you to tell me who you are in Christ Jesus?
Significantly few people will develop an understanding of their position in Christ Jesus. Most will never respond to life issues from their place of authority in Christ or His completed work due to their spiritual ignorance.
Most of us are far too dependent on our natural talents and abilities. We want to experience a physical high when attending service. The Holy Spirit is living inside of us, but we do not look to Him due to our carnality.
We looked earlier at the feeding of the five thousand. The disciples looked at the people and could not “see” how to feed or care for them. Jesus also saw the people’s needs but looked up instead of outward. He could see beyond the five loaves and two fishes because He looked to the spiritual realm instead of the natural.
There are situations we will all face that have no answer to them. God has given us the ability to see with our spiritual eyes, so Christians are not limited to their natural means.
Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation.
Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.
My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. (Psalms 5:1 – 3)
The Psalmist was writing about the same principle we have been discussing. He references “seeing” with the heart in the statement “will look up.”
And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. (Matthew 14:19)
Jesus looked to the spirit realm when He “looked up” to heaven. He was viewing the people’s needs with His heart. It was in the “Spirit” that Jesus was able to see potential in the little boy’s lunch.
We will not enter into the place where God’s miraculous power is released living according to our five physical senses. Doing so will require us to learn to look inward as Jesus did.
Jesus looked at the multitude of hungry people and saw a solution in the small lunch provided by the little boy. Can you do the same looking at your seemingly impossible situation? Yes, you can, but it will require you to learn to look inward for the answer. Every problem in your life would melt away if you learned to look at them from your heart instead of your soul!
Jesus took something seemingly insignificant and fed a crowd of at least ten thousand people. A significant miracle occurred because He refused to look at the little boy’s lunch as too little.
God has no limitation and still works miracles today. We struggle with receiving them due to our reliance on the five physical senses.
For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me. (Psalm 40:12)
You will continue to struggle in your Christian life if you allow your focus to be limited to the input of your five physical senses. Faith does not deny symptoms or situations, but it does not focus on them.
There will be symptoms to overcome, financial bills, and corrupt politicians. There will always be evil reports, and it is easy to allow our attention to turn away from God if we are not spending time with Him every day. It is easy to become distracted and stop walking by faith!
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