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Taking a Long-Term View of Faith

In our spiritual journey, we often find ourselves caught between two perspectives: the immediate and the eternal. This tension between short-term survival and long-term spiritual growth shapes how we respond to life's challenges and opportunities.

A meteorologist focuses on immediate weather patterns - what's happening today, tomorrow, maybe next week. A climatologist, however, studies long-term weather patterns and their impact on the environment and people over months and years. Sometimes christians can be dragged into the immediate perspectives, fighting the fires of daily life while not seeing the long-term impact of choices and mindset towards God and His purposes for our lives.

How Did Jesus View Both Perspectives?

Jesus operated as both with a long-view while seeing and ministering to the immediate. In Matthew 16, He challenged the Pharisees who could read weather signs but missed spiritual ones: "Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times?"

The Bread Incident: Missing the Bigger Picture

In Mark 8, the disciples panicked about forgetting to bring bread. While they argued about immediate needs, Jesus reminded them of His long-term provision. He had already fed 5,000 with five loaves (leaving 12 baskets) and 4,000 with seven loaves (leaving seven baskets).

"Don't you understand?" Jesus asked. He wasn't just their daily provision - He was their fortress, peace, and eternal caretaker. Yet they got caught up in immediate concerns, forgetting His faithful track record.

What Does Walking Worthy Look Like Long-Term?

Paul writes in Colossians about walking "in a manner worthy of the Lord," which involves:

  • Bearing fruit in every good work
  • Increasing in knowledge of God
  • Being strengthened with all power
  • Attaining steadfastness and patience

Understanding Fruit-Bearing Takes Time

If you plant an apple tree today, you won't harvest apples tomorrow. Depending on the variety, it takes 3-10 years before you see fruit. Similarly, God places us in situations that develop patience, kindness, and gentleness - the fruit of the Spirit doesn't appear overnight.

God's command to "be fruitful and multiply" from Genesis applies spiritually. We are kingdom colonies, outposts of new creation called to bear fruit that glorifies God.

Shining as lights in the world

1 Peter 2:9-12 reminds us to "keep your behavior excellent among the gentiles, so that... they may, because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God." The world watches how Christians respond to:

  • Workplace stress
  • Being cut off in traffic
  • Delays in stores, airports
  • Grocery store interactions
  • Daily frustrations

We're called to do "all things without grumbling or disputing" so we appear "as lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation." As ambassadors for Christ, we represent Him in every situation. Rather than trying to be the best version of ourselves in public, we want our internal transformation to be something that we live out publicly. This is where we need the intentional submission to the Holy Spirit.

What Are the Enemy's Schemes?

Ephesians 6:11 warns us to "put on the full armor of God so that you will be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." These schemes include:

  • Taking out leaders through moral failure or scandal
  • Deception that we don't recognize
  • Distraction from our true purpose
  • Division and discord within the church
  • Polarization that creates unnecessary conflict

The enemy wants to prevent us from bearing fruit and walking worthy of our calling.

How Do We Fight Spiritually?

The passage from 2 Samuel 22 provides a battle cry for spiritual warfare:

"God is my strong fortress... He trains my hands for battle... You have girded me with strength for battle"

God has equipped us to deal with every spiritual enemy and their effects seen in our world. We don't cower back - we advance with the victory He's already secured. Being clothed in the armor of Christ's work (Ephesians 6:10-12) we are able to see the schemes of the enemy and live our lives with purpose and not dragged into fighting daily fires 

Life Application

This week, Instead of only asking "How do I get through today?" start asking "How is God developing long-term fruit in my life through this situation?"

When faced with difficulties, remember that your struggle isn't against people but against spiritual forces. Respond in the spiritual realm through prayer, worship, and standing on God's promises rather than just reacting to immediate circumstances.

Questions for Reflection:

  • Am I viewing my current challenges from a short-term survival perspective or a long-term spiritual growth perspective?
  • What kind of fruit is evident in my life, and how can I cooperate with God's pruning process?
  • How am I representing Christ as His ambassador in my daily interactions?
  • What schemes of the enemy do I need to recognize and resist in my life?