So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Do you have an inkling about what Paul is saying here? Are you experiencing this in your life presently? For some of us who are well past 60 this can be very apparent in many ways. But this can also refer to our natural versus our spiritual parts of us within our soul. Is your ‘inner self being renewed day by day’? The word in the Greek for ‘inner’ here is esó. “The Greek adverb “ἔσω” (esó) is used to denote something that is inside or within a particular space or context. It often refers to the inner part of a physical space, such as a building or a room, but can also be used metaphorically to describe inward or spiritual aspects of a person or community. In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of “inside” or “within” was not only spatial but also carried philosophical and moral connotations. The inner life of a person, including thoughts and intentions, was often considered more significant than outward appearances. This aligns with Jewish teachings found in the Old Testament, where the heart and inner motives are emphasized over external rituals.” (Biblehub)
Obviously here the ‘inner self’ is our soul and spirit. But the bigger point that stands out to me is the notion of looking to the “things that are unseen”. For this world and culture, we live in is transient, rather than our real home in heaven which is eternal. This world and its troubles are but a ‘light and momentary affliction’. Umm – it certainly doesn’t ‘feel’ that way much of the time to us – most likely because we feel we are stuck in chronos (Greek view of linear time). How do we exactly establish a life walking with the Spirit of God? How do we take steps to press into the ‘unseen’ and eternal things? How do we get better at listening to Him? How do we get better at hearing Him and following His timing? Is most of our life now just spent in the transient? Or are we pressing into the ‘unseen’ and eternal side of us – that God is showing us? Is the eternal reality more real to you now than this world that you experience through your five physical senses? Are you growing and being renewed in your soul and spirit by following His instructions to you …personally… day by day? Have you gotten to the point where you are feeding off Him rather than a ‘program’, ritual, or study that forces you to look inward?
Is your life now being ‘poured out like a drink offering’ for others now, or are you still in self-preservation mode?
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. Philippians 2:14-18
The Spirit and fasting is forcing change within me. What are you allowing to change you? What are you aiming for? Where are you aiming?