Keeping this World in its Proper Perspective

There are many who currently have high stress levels due to fear.   Fear of economic melt down, job loss, and the changes that are happening in the country are just a few.   These fears are understandable, but not absolutely necessary.  In reality, the events happening throughout the world are nothing to fear at all as long as people keep this world in its proper perspective.

In Galatians 6:8, Paul compares living to sowing (planting) seeds.  The passage says

 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Every decision and action a person takes in life is a seed sown that will grow into either good or bad consequences.  Ultimately, everything that is from flesh will corrupt.  The word flesh in this passage not only refers to sin, but also sowing worldliness in general.  In other words, people set themselves up for failure by putting so much stock in this world.  How do I know this is true? Look around and try to find anything on this earth that will not eventually rot, decay, and die. Everything on earth is temporal.  Having that understanding can bring freedom from fear, give hope, and put control back in life.

I could put my hope in my finances, but all money inflates and devalues over time.  I can put my trust in the economy, but strong economies will eventually depress.  I can trust that government will take care of everything or be disappointed that the government is not doing what I think is in the country’s best interest, but great societies eventually fail.  I can even put my hope in myself, but eventually I will die.

I may not like all the things that are happening, but I can be at peace because I see those things in their proper perspective.  The perspective that hopes in this world is futile.  The only option left is putting hope in God’s comforter to help in daily living. This allows for contentment during fearful times, and offers eternal life.