07 Feb What Can (or May Not Be) Seen
Our faith changes our motives, but not necessarily our methods.
Imagine two business leaders walking into a meeting. One is a follower of Christ, and the other is not. If these individuals are effective at their craft, they will probably present themselves in a similar manner. They will both be prepared and well informed about the market and their product or service. They will both pitch for the business with a compelling value proposition and will convey passion and conviction about their desire to meet the client’s needs. They will both draw on the best practices they have learned from their training and experience.
However, there will be a difference . . . at least there should be.
In 2 Corinthians 4:18 Paul called followers of Christ to fix their gaze on the unseen things in the world, because “the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” (New Living Translation)
Returning to the meeting, both leaders are working toward a win-win deal, but the Christ follower is able to see beyond the immediate transaction, and cares about the welfare of the people or the community involved. This person seeks ways for both companies and individuals to flourish. Most importantly, this person’s greatest goal is for God to be recognized and praised.
Every day we encounter material things: buildings, businesses, bank accounts . . . These good things are only temporary. Just ask the people who invested in Blockbuster during the 90’s. At one point, they amassed 9,000 video rental stores, employed 84,000 people, had 65 million registered customers, and were valued at three billion dollars. Then came a little outfit called Netflix. A few years from now, if that, some other new technology will revolutionize the entertainment business.
So, what “unseen things” should we focus on? “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.” Colossians 3:1-4 (NLT)
Ultimately, “Heaven and earth will disappear, but [God’s] words will never disappear.” Matthew 24:35 (NLT); so, let’s go out and work hard today. Let’s do what we do. Let’s grow our businesses and flourish, but let’s work with our spiritual eyes open to the unseen things. People matter and we are working toward greater purposes. Let’s do it all for God’s glory, not our own.
Serving Him with you in the marketplace,
David Atchison
Lord, there are things in front of me that are obvious, but your Word says there is an invisible spiritual world as well. Thank You for granting me spiritual eyes to make me aware of things beyond the material world. Thank You for lifting the curtain for moments along the way so I can catch glimpses of Your work. I love the business You have called me to but help me to view it against an eternal backdrop so I can contribute to Your common grace purposes as well as Your kingdom building purposes. Amen.
“All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.” Paul’s Letter to Timothy 1:17 (NLT)
ADDITIONAL REFLECTIONS: GOD, WITHOUT BEGINNING OR ENDING