How can we focus on eternal rewards rather than temporary prosperity? A Brief Flourish That Quickly Fades Psalm 37:35–36 captures the scene: “I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree, but he passed away and was no more; though I searched, he could not be found.” The psalmist reminds us that earthly success—even when it looks strong, deep-rooted, and permanent—disappears. What seems impressive now is only a momentary green flash on the timeline of eternity. Why Temporary Prosperity Shouts So Loudly • It is visible: new cars, bigger homes, public applause. • It promises control: wealth can feel like a safety net. • It gratifies quickly: immediate “wins” are easier to celebrate than unseen spiritual fruit. • It is applauded by the culture: society rewards the outward, not the inward. Psalm 37 helps us see through the mirage. Verse 34 calls us to “wait for the LORD and keep His way.” The righteous receive a lasting inheritance (v. 29), while the wicked tree withers. Zooming Out to the Eternal Picture Other passages reinforce the same lens: • Matthew 6:19-21—Treasures in heaven stay safe; earthly treasures rot. • 2 Corinthians 4:17-18—What is seen is temporary; what is unseen is eternal. • 1 John 2:17—“The world is passing away… but whoever does the will of God remains forever.” • Hebrews 11:26—Moses “regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to the reward.” Anchoring Our Hearts in What Lasts 1. Recognize the timeline: life now is a breath (Psalm 39:5); eternity is endless. 2. Trust God’s justice: Psalm 37:28—“For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints.” 3. Remember the inheritance: Revelation 22:12—“Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me.” 4. Rehearse God’s promises daily: Scripture reading shifts focus from headlines to heavenlines. Practical Ways to Stay Eternally Focused • Steward, don’t store: Use resources for kingdom purposes (1 Timothy 6:17-19). • Give generously: Every act of giving transfers value from the temporary column to the eternal (Proverbs 11:24-25). • Serve quietly: Hidden faithfulness will be rewarded openly (Matthew 6:4). • Cultivate gratitude: Thank God for daily bread while remembering it is not the main feast (Luke 12:15). • Set your mind above: Begin and end the day with Colossians 3:1-4, fixing thoughts on Christ. • Celebrate eternal wins: Rejoice when someone trusts Christ, when character grows, when Scripture takes root. Encouragement for Today The wicked tree may look impressive, but it is already hollowing out. In Christ, your labor “is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Keep sowing to the Spirit, keep walking in obedience, and let the fleeting glitter of earthly prosperity remind you how bright—yet brief—its flash truly is. |
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