Paul’s description of how saints see the world explains so much about how differently we look at all that is happening when compared to most of those around us. He said, “We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Cor. 4:18). We are truly different from those in the world.
There is so much change in all that is happening. Because our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20), we view the world and political situations in a different way. The contrast between Daniel and King Nebuchadnezzar is so striking. While the king thought he was so important, Daniel told him, “The Most High rules in the affairs of men…” (Dan. 4:17). Our citizenship is in heaven, and God is in charge of all things.
We look at our workplace in a way the world will not understand. The world says, “Get a great job, make your career the most important aspect of life and enjoy life.” That view of life was expressed by the man who said to himself, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink and be merry” (Luke 12:19). Read this story, meditate on it and you will understand why Jesus said that this view of life is the view of those who are fools.
The world says, “Labor with your hands that you may have.” God commands us to work for a far different reason. He says, “Labor with your hands that you may have something to give him who has need” (Eph. 4:28). The judgment scene describes those who failed to help Jesus who lived in their world and was a stranger, naked, unclothed, sick and in prison. Jesus said that the way they treated the least of His brethren was the way they were treating Him. (Matt. 25:31-41).
Finally, we look at life, especially as we approach death, so differently. Look first at the ungodly who watched Stephen as he was dying. They were hurling stones at him and were glad to see him taking his last breath. Paul was there and shared the hearts of those who were happy to see it happen (Acts 7:54-60). They were so wrong.
Now look at how Stephen viewed his death. He saw Jesus standing in heaven and watching as he was crying out to God, “Lord Jesus, receive my soul.” While we may not die as martyrs, we can view our death in this same way, with hearts that do not walk by sight, but by faith. The world views death as an end. We do not see it as the end, but as the beginning of what we have lived for every day.
Thank God that He helps us see the world in a far different way! We truly walk by faith and not by sight.