COMPARED TO WHAT?
"I consider the sufferings of the present to be as
nothing compared with the glory to be revealed in us." -Romans 8:18
We
must never compare ourselves with others. Nor should we compare the present with
the past and idealize the "good old days." Nevertheless, we should compare the
present sufferings with the future glory. When we do this, our sufferings seem
like nothing. We are filled with hope and become able to endure anything, even
the burdens and boredom of everyday life.
When we fix our eyes on the
future glory, we do not escape from present realities. In fact, this gives us
the strength to enter into the present sufferings and trials with no
reservations. This kind of religion is not the "opium of the people," as Marx
alleged. Rather, a religion of hope is the only thing that is not the opium of
the people. Communism, unbridled capitalism, and secularism are the real opium
of the people, and the effects of these "drugs" are starting to wear off. We
need hope to live, not mind-games, ideologies, or petty pleasures. We need
Christ in us, our Hope of glory (Col 1:27).
Father, may I
smile and rejoice even in adversity.
"In hope we were saved."
-Rm 8:24
10/27/15
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment