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Something That Lasts

A lot of things just aren't permanent. They're not designed to last. So they don't last and that got my attention. You have to think long and hard to find examples of things that do last, and most just don't.

The frustration we all experience as things break down or lose their usefulness suggests that we all long for things that really last. But what do we mean when we talk about things lasting?

It could mean that we just want it to last as long as we need it: a sponge for texturing plaster or paint, a tool we need for just one job or use in just one context, a favourite tape or CD that we enjoy for a while then grow tired of.

It could mean that we want something to last as long as our lives do: a cherished book or piece of art, an appliance we regularly use, healthy bodies and satisfying relationships.

It could mean that we are looking for something that will extend beyond our lives: something to hand on to the next generation, something of value that goes with us when we die, a relationship that may be shared through eternity.

The ugly fact is that not much lasts as long as we would like it to. There are some things that do last indefinitely but they are not the things which most people are most concerned about. 2 Corinthians 4 16Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18while 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.

Paul is clearly talking about some things that last here. But what are they? First we notice that they are not about externals: computers, cars, gadgets, even relationships, or our own physical bodies (outwardly, we are all perishing)

Second, we see that these things are tied to suffering or affliction as he puts it.Romans 5:3 tells us. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Here Paul uses a different, but similar word: tribulation or trouble. The things that last are clearly things of our inner being: perseverance, character, and hope.

In the first chapter of his letter, James wrote: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." Here James talks about trials or tests at work in us to change us. The one thing he specifically mentions here is patience, but again it is clearly an aspect of our inner being

Third, we learn that these things are not visible to the eye directly. There are a couple of aspects to consider: We can't see character qualities directly, we can only see the evidence of them shown in the way a life is lived. At this time, we also cannot see the joys and glories of the eternal state which await those God has called to Himself.

Paul encourages us to not look at the visible material world, which for many of us is one full of sorrow, disappointment, and disillusion, because it is temporary. The other day I was listening to Steve Brown who reminded his radio listeners of an expression often found in the Bible: "And it came to pass..." Are you in big trouble now? Don't be overwhelmed by it. It will pass. Are you riding the wings of success? Don't be overwhelmed with how magnificent you are as you enjoy it. It, too, will pass. Either case gets our focus on the wrong place.

The best thing we can do in life is to look at it from an eternal perspective. This will keep us from getting mired down in a number of things:

When we look at life from an eternal perspective it has some real advantages for us. It frees us to live with a focus on the only things that really matter. It let's us live the best quality of life one which ultimately will have no regrets. It allows us to enjoy the spiritual life and resources God intends for us to have.

The fulfilment of the search for something that lasts begins with finding eternal life. After all, there's not much advantage in finding something that's going to last forever if you don't.

We'll take time to look at just one more passage from the Bible. This time, from John 3: "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." This passage makes it clear that there is such a thing as eternal life - life that extends past our physical encounter with the grave. It also makes it clear that God intends for those who are willing to accept his offer to experience that life which He makes possible. While God has done His part in sending His Son, we also have a part and that is to believe that this offer is genuine and to live accordingly.

Sales people often use the expression: "closing the deal." This is the next step for each of us as we move forward in faith. We need to "close the deal" with God. That is to demonstrate our willingness to enter into this arrangement with God whereby we can be saved.

Today we examined some things that don't last and some that do. Really there's not a lot that does last, but we do. The Bible explains that after our physical bodies die we will go to one of two places. Matthew 25 verse 46 explains that it will be either "into everlasting punishment", or "into eternal life." Romans 6:23 tells us that "the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." One day, we will all die physically, that is we will be separated from our bodies. But we don't have to remain dead spiritually which is being separated from God. Jesus said, in John 11:25, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live."

Ron Hughes
© February 2003