We read in 2 Corinthians 4.16-18 these words, “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 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.”
We must recognize why we’re here. I’m not here for the fun of it. I’m not here for me at all. I’m not here for my ego. I’m not here for my pleasure or even for my family. I’m here for God! If you’re a disciple of Jesus, the only reason you get to draw another breath is… for God. The life of a true Disciple is about displaying the superiority of the life lived in God. We are not superior because we are superior. No way! But there is an exemplary lifestyle to live for God. One who truly follows the teachings of Jesus, by obeying them, is living a life demonstrating God’s superiority in spite of us. The effect of this lifestyle does not depend on the experiences or external events in that person’s life. That’s why even believers get cancer. That’s why believers have prodigal children. That’s why believers who own businesses go through lows and even bankrupt. The contrast is in how we handle the curve balls of this sin-cursed world. Hard times are guaranteed to come, it is what we do in the midst of it that shows off God and His superiority. Every nightmare is faced one way or the other. Which way do you face it? Do you show off God’s glory and majesty by your humble obedience and steadfast acknolwdgemeot of God in every trial, or do you tend to waller in the mire like the rest of humanity. There must be a difference. A proverbial day and night difference.
Every character of the Scripture, whether a pauper or a prince, demonstrate for us an example of God and how He offers Himself as a bulwark for those who trust Him. I mean those who don’t just say they trust Him, but really trust Him. These last two week at our church, eight men have given examples out of the living Truth about Faith. Each of their characters were from Hebrews eleven. What a list of characters. Old, young, hated and loved, warriors and harlots. In all of them we see the exemplary life of one who choses to trust God in the trial. They did not trust in themselves. In fact most of their stories include a moment when they did ‘lean on their own understanding’ and paid a hefty price for it. There is no perfect follower of Jesus, only faithful or unfaithful ones. They were all given what you and I are given—an opportunity. An opportunity to shine a light on Jesus and His superiority. You can choose to shine a light on yourself, but you are not superior to Jesus. You can choose to shine a light on a friend or hero, but they are not superior to Jesus. I choose to shine a light on Jesus Christ for others to see Him and His superiority to this creation of His. He is to be exalted. And a life that follows Him, as a willing slave, will do just that in the end.
People are observing you right now. You can display the superiority of a life lived in God, for God, with God, without reserve… or you can can embrace the way of the world and rob God of His glory by exercising false superiority. The truest of servants came to minster (serve) and not be served. That is found in Matthew 20.28 where Jesus said, “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” And there we have the purpose of this notation today. If we seek to follow Him and to minster as He ministered, then our purpose becomes His purpose. That purpose is clear… sacrifice self in the daily to seek [many] lost souls. It may not mean my physical death as it did for Jesus and many who follow Him even today, but it does mean a dying to myself. If I die to me, He lives in me and is on display rather than me. I want the light to be shined on Him and not me. How about you? Are you seeking glory of men? Are you seeking superiority in any way? We must not. His is the superior life and a true disciple knows this. It is our joy, our crown and our own eventual glorification. Not on this present earth, but on the one to come.
Why you are here? Even if it includes temporary suffering, you really need to consider where you will be going very soon. Paul said, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians 4.17). Unimaginable glory is coming your way. Not now, but later. For now, live the life Jesus designed for you. Do so by following His commands. Obey Him and shine the light back on Him. His way is far more superior anyway.