There is a direct connection between long-term thinking and success. Every successful person or venture, has been so because they had the foresight to think ahead. In contrast, a study has shown that the more people focused on short-term gain, the more likely they were to fail.
Thinking ahead for a Christian, should be easy. When you and I talk of long-term thinking, we call it eternity. We're not thinking 40 or 50 years into the future, we're thinking time without end. Having this mindset helps us deal with the momentary problems that come your way.
Paul stated in Rom.8:18, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Simply put, life here has its troubles, heartaches and trials. But that is nothing compared to the glory of eternity that awaits us. Out challenge here is to use your talents, time, treasure, and influence for God’s purposes. We cannot be foolish with TIME that God has given us. We should not be foolish as the Prodigal son, and squander what God provides (Lk.15:13) on living that does not befit eternal purposes. We should not live as those drunk on wine, drugs, or alcohol with the lifestyle of "eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die." Our intoxication if there is any, should be in the Spirit, doing spiritual things, seeking those treasures that are heavenly, so that our reward shall be eternal (Mt.6:20). Compared to what’s in store for you in eternity your current pain, problems, situations, headaches, etc. are petty.
Please do not misunderstand, it’s not easy to be a believer, to do what’s right. There are many times it’s not easy to do the right thing in the face of temptation. It is not easy to tell others about Jesus, when they may be antagonistic. It’s not easy to make a determination to do what is right regardless, just because it is right. But the benefits of following God's voice and obeying what he teaches will far outlast the pain. It’s simply foolish to focus only on short-term results.
Prov.29:18 states, "Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law." Because the one who abides in God's way prepares for eternity. When this vision is missing? PEOPLE PERISH! So, take a minute and look at your life from an eternal perspective. What are you facing now, that you would change if you saw it from the perspective of eternity? What concerns, problems, etc do you have now, that if viewed from an eternal perspective, are as big or important as you thought them to be?
Jim
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