4:182 Corinthians 4:18

What is seen is temporary and passing away, while what is not seen is eternal and enduring, so the call is to fix attention not on visible things but on invisible things.EW 22.6+2 The unseen eternal is the exceeding weight of glory, the immortal inheritance and heavenly home, rest in God's kingdom, the presence of Christ, and being made like Him when He is seen as He is.1T 706.1–2+4 Present affliction is light and lasts only a moment beside that glory, and while the gaze is kept on the eternal it works out that immeasurable glory and keeps believers from fainting though the outward strength declines.Lt 89, 1894, par. 10+4 That looking is beholding the invisible by the eye of faith, living in view of the invisible world, looking to Jesus and the cross, and trusting God's presence and promises in the darkest hour rather than judging by visible trials or success.Ms 19, 1894, par. 4–5+4 Trials in sorrow and reproach are God's appointed means to test, refine and sanctify, separating chaff from wheat and fitting character for heaven, so faith looks beyond suffering that purifies to the eternal inheritance that sustains.Lt 5, 1880, par. 6–9+4

What is seen is temporary, while what is not seen is eternal, and the call is to look not at the seen but at the unseen.EW 22.6+4 Keeping attention on the eternal puts present affliction in perspective and keeps from fainting, for brief affliction gives way to a far greater and lasting weight of glory.EW 22.6+4 Faith looks beyond visible temporary things to unseen eternal realities, so visible trials, being temporary, should not define success or give cause for doubt.8T 125.3+2 Directing attention away from visible temporary troubles toward unseen eternal realities helps turn from painful past experiences rather than dwell on them.HSFM 197.4+2

This present life in the world is very short and gets its chief character and importance as the season of preparation for an endless life, and earnest struggling merely to preserve it is misplaced beside the life Christ presents that measures with the life of God, without sorrow, burden, care, sickness, pain, or trials.Ms 16, 1887, par. 13–15+2 Talents, gifts, possessions, and pleasing pictures of selfish enjoyment are temporal and sink into insignificance and are of no weight when weighed against eternity, and worldly power and glory pass away like grass that withers, and even mountains and other things seen by mortal eyes will pass away.ED 183.3–184.1+2 Only what is founded on God, bound to His purpose, and expresses His character endures, and only what makes a person capable of improvement as lasting as eternity has true value, with ability in the service of God as a wellspring of life.ED 183.3–184.1+2 The faithful worker's thoughts, purposes, and actions, though unseen now, have eternal significance and will appear at the final judgment as witnesses either for or against, so work done in business and ministry, linking the unseen with the seen, has eternal weight because God is unseen and His laws are unchanging and eternal.ED 183.3–184.1+2 Strength does not come from looking at seen things that close up the way but from looking at unseen eternal things, taking the mind away from perishable things and taking hold of eternal life by beholding the love of an infinite God, talking of it and dwelling on it, and bringing that love into heart and life.Ms 16, 1887, par. 13–15+2 With the eye fixed on the future immortal inheritance, present difficulties and severe afflictions become light and momentary, working a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory whose length and breadth and depth cannot be measured, leaving a bright track heavenward for others and bringing all possible heaven into this life in reflection of God's glory.Ms 16, 1887, par. 13–15+1 People perish when they give attention to earthly things and neglect what is unseen and eternal, yet skills, knowledge, and reason come from God as gifts for which they are accountable, to be used to study Scripture and trust life to God and to live for God by making all earthly things help in preparation for the great future life, with honor and wise regard for welfare, kindness, truth to God, and remembrance that His eye searches the depths of the soul.Lt 109, 1900, par. 12–15+2

God values the unseen and eternal more highly than the seen and passing, so wealth, high position, costly equipment, impressive buildings, furnishings, display, and achievements that win human applause and feed vanity have no value in His sight unless they express what is eternal and do nothing to advance His work.MH 36.4+2 Seeking perfection in outward things is duty, but it must never be made supreme and must stay subordinate to higher interests, for what is seen has worth only as it expresses what is unseen.MH 36.4+2 No work of art is as beautiful as character formed in the soul by the working of the Holy Spirit, and that beauty of character surpasses the beauty of art.MH 36.4+2 Heaven and earth are linked, and the concerns of this life are placed beneath eternal interests without being treated as unimportant, showing that divine truth equips people for daily duties without treating earthly concerns as supreme.MH 36.4+2

People naturally give greater value to what they can see than to what is unseen, but those doing God's work must not be guided by that tendency, finding safety and strength in depending on Christ rather than worldly aid.RH Mar 29, 1870+2 The world keeps the mind on the interests of this life only by constantly appealing to the senses and shutting out the prospect of a future life, and by this it hides a person from self and danger and seeks to make him a creature of time.Lt 52, 1900, par. 14–16+1 Attention absorbed by temporary visible things makes people forget God and become blind to heavenly truth, calling for affections to be set on what is above and eternal rather than on earthly gain.RH Mar 29, 1870+2 Refusing to look at the temporary things the senses present and fixing the eyes on the eternal world means seeing in the eternal world the cross of Christ and the death of the Son of God to save a perishing world.RH Mar 29, 1870+1

The unseen eternal things are the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory that brief earthly trials produce when attention rests not on visible affliction but on what is lasting.1T 706.1–2+4 They are the eternal inheritance and immortal life, the heavenly home and Holy City and heavenly Canaan, the goodly land to be pressed on to possess while waiting for the Lord's return.1T 706.1–2+4 They include rest in God's kingdom, the presence of Christ, His victory won for humanity, heaven opened to humanity, restoration to fellowship with God, being clothed in His righteousness and sharing His exaltation.5T 745.1 They include the long-cherished hope of seeing Jesus as He is and being made like Him, the mansions prepared above, and life with God awaiting the overcomer.5T 745.1+2 Faith looks beyond suffering to these promises and is sustained through trials, for affliction refines and purifies character into God's likeness and fits for heaven rather than destroying.1T 706.1–2+2

That glory is holiness, dignity, honor and happiness in the presence of God, a substantial, weighty, durable glory, a fullness of God and measureless knowledge beyond power of human language to describe.Ms 58, 1900, par. 77–79 It is reserved to be received when Christ comes and is seen now only by the eye of faith, as certainty about it comes by the Holy Spirit irradiating the soul with light from heaven.Ms 58, 1900, par. 77–79 Viewed in the light of the cross it eclipses worldly honor, pleasure, riches and glory and exposes the things of this life as vanity and emptiness.Ms 58, 1900, par. 77–79+1 Looking at the unseen means fastening attention on the cross, striving to fathom the depths of the Saviour's humiliation to make man possessor of eternal riches, feeling the throb of His love, and being ravished by the charms of His character.RH May 6, 1902 That knowledge subdues the soul, ennobles the whole being, and lifts the mind above time and sense, beside which all temporal afflictions are only momentary light afflictions unworthy of thought, for seen things last only for a time while unseen things endure through endless ages.Ms 58, 1900, par. 77–79+1

The immortal inheritance calls for earnest, persevering effort proportionate to its worth, for fixing the heart on earthly possessions makes heavenly glory fade from view.1T 698.2–3 To secure that infinite treasure is to gain everything and lose nothing.Ms 58, 1900, par. 77–79 A clear sense of eternal things with a heart willing to yield all to Christ is of inestimable value, worth more than every earthly possession and the toil and suffering of a lifetime, while the riches, pleasures and glories of this world become insignificant by comparison.8MR 378.1+1

For the bereaved and mourning, looking beyond present visible sorrow means looking up by faith now and always to the unseen eternal future instead of present seen sorrow.5MR 437.2–4+1 The unseen hope is the better day coming for the faithful, when Jesus as the Life-giver comes in love and looks with love on the mourner.Lt 71, 1878, par. 10–12 Then the dead come forth from their graves clothed with immortal splendor to live again where death is no more, and the faithful are reunited with loved ones, bringing blessing and encouragement to the heart.5MR 437.2–4+1

The visible beauties of nature lift the mind from what is seen to what is unseen and point to the earth made new, where nothing will spoil its loveliness or bring disease or death.7T 76.3–4+2 Its matchless beauty turns thoughts beyond present surroundings toward God and the heavenly home, and teaches God's love and care for His children.MH 265.3–266.1 Flowers, beautiful yet short-lived, are a shadow of greater loveliness to be seen in Paradise and a voice from God directing to its lasting treasures.5MR 21.2 God's care for them assures those made in His image of His care for them, and nature so used turns sick minds away from self toward God.MH 265.3–266.1+1

Paul knew what he was calling light and momentary from a life of unceasing labor amid bodily weakness and the bitter hatred, malice and hindrance of opponents, enduring heavy trials for the sake of truth.Ms 58, 1900, par. 69–70+2 His record included beatings with rods, a night and a day in the deep, hunger and thirst, fastings, cold and nakedness, watchings, weariness and toil, conflict, and perils by waters, by robbers, by countrymen, by heathen, in the city, in the wilderness, in the sea and among false brethren, being troubled on every side, perplexed and persecuted.Lt 5, 1880, par. 6–9+2 Through continual hardship he reached full moral stature in Christ, proving that present suffering for truth is little, and showing that the privileges and advantages of the Christian life cannot be estimated too highly.ST Aug 18, 1909+1 Even when deprivation and suffering are great and providence seems dark and inscrutable, such troubles remain light and trifling beside the eternal weight of glory awaiting the overcomer, for seen troubles are appointed workmen for perfection of character.Ms 26, 1888, par. 18+1

Believing and trusting in Jesus and wearing His yoke is itself a privilege and exaltation that enables believers to reckon present afflictions light and lasting only a moment.Lt 89, 1894, par. 10+1 While the gaze is turned away from temporary visible things to eternal unseen things, that affliction works a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory whose length and breadth and depth cannot be measured.Lt 89, 1894, par. 10+2 Trials endured here for truth's sake and for Christ's sake work out that surpassing glory, so it is better to bear the cross now and follow the self-denying path than to have every wish gratified here and lose heaven and eternal life.Lt 1, 1896, par. 4–5+1 Faithful soldiers endure difficult work taxing every power, painful trials and soul-rending conflicts without expecting ease, exemption from battle, or temporal comforts and luxuries, for the overwhelming reward is given not to self-indulgence and pleasure but only to those who endure.14MR 27.2–28.1+1 Looking to the brightness of the Saviour's countenance by faith dispels discouragement, and enduring suffering with Christ leads to sharing His glory.10MR 267.2–268.2+1

Beside that eternal glory present difficulties are trifling and give no ground for complaint, murmuring and fretfulness over the slightest interference with will and pleasure, nor for careless indifference that lives and works for self and glorifies self.Ms 58, 1900, par. 69–70+1 The things of the present time are not worth mentioning beside the eternal glory awaiting when the warfare is over, whatever the darkness and mystery of providence and however great the deprivation and suffering, for all things are working for good to those who look away to the unseen and eternal.Ms 58, 1900, par. 71–74+1 Dwelling on afflictions and magnifying them fills the soul with distrust, repining, misery, fear of speedy death, worry, unbelief and doubt, centers the mind on temporal things and worldly honor, and weakens usefulness.Ms 58, 1900, par. 71–74+2 Satan magnifies trials to produce distrust and to beguile toward ease, selfish pleasure, profit and power, while fixing attention on dark clouds of trouble and perplexity, including financial perplexity, leaves time for nothing else and feeds discouragement.Lt 39, 1887, par. 11–12+2 The remedy is to refuse that fixed stare, to reach by faith through the darkness to the light and glory beyond, to do all that can be done without worrying about money, trusting God to send it when best, and to talk faith rather than discouragement so that faith increases.Lt 39, 1887, par. 11–12+1

Looking away from visible passing things to the invisible lasting reward by fixing the gaze on high keeps from fainting though the outward man perishes and physical strength declines under the enemy.RH May 6, 1902+2 While that look is maintained, the inward man is renewed day by day even as the outer life decays, and brief light suffering prepares a far greater lasting glory.RH May 6, 1902+2 That renewal makes believers triumphant and cheerful in conflict, clad in the whole armor of God, faithfully declaring the gospel without flinching.RH May 6, 1902

Looking to the unseen is beholding the invisible by the eye of faith as Moses did, living day by day and hour by hour and moment by moment in view of the invisible world and fighting the good fight of faith to perfect Christian character.Ms 19, 1894, par. 4–5 Faith looks beyond visible temporary things to unseen eternal realities, and this means more than seeing future immortality, for it also recognizes unseen spiritual powers that shape and govern life now and responds to Christ's spiritual kingdom working within through cooperation of divine and human agencies.Lt 137a, 1898, par. 1–7 Faith alone rightly estimates eternal riches and acts from eternal principles, acknowledging weakness without relying on own goodness and trusting what is unseen rather than what is visible, since sinners need a Savior who gives healing and strength.HSFM 132.3 Each person is to behold these realities personally and to value blessings already received rather than murmur over blessings withheld.Ms 42, 1901, par. 6 Receiving Christ lets the heart see correctly what is invisible, bringing light to the mind and giving joy and strength rather than gloom.Lt 200, 1899, par. 15–16 It is living the life now lived by the faith of the Son of God, girded in God's armor and standing under His banner, letting faith take hold of the unseen realities of the eternal world, so that when Christ appears those who have looked to the unseen will appear with Him in glory.Ms 16, 1895, par. 30

That look is fixed upward rather than on present trials, resting attention on heaven and on the reward that awaits at the end of the journey, and keeping the eyes fixed on Jesus.Ms 11, 1885, par. 17+1 It is fixed on Jesus the Author and Finisher of faith, moving steadily forward in the path of duty, leaving consequences with God, taking burdens to Him in prayer, and pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling without becoming discouraged by opposition, unfaithfulness, changing circumstances, disappointment, and lack of help.Lt 107, 1904, par. 18–19 God's promises draw back eternity and give a glimpse of the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, awakening hope and expectation, leading to firm faith and reliance on God, strengthening in trouble, and teaching trust, so hopes are not built in this life but the eye is kept upward to the inheritance of light, sensing the love of Jesus shown in nature and in His Word and resting quiet in God with calm trust and praise.Lt 91, 1887, par. 7 Tracing His life and sufferings gives perspective on present trials, for Christ endured suffering, and the cross, though it may seem a heavy burden, sustains those who bear it and pledges the crown of righteousness to those who love His appearing.Ms 13, 1888, par. 75–77 That looking is fixing attention on Jesus Christ, in whom the invisible God and the fullness of the Godhead are seen and the character of God is revealed, and by beholding Christ believers are changed into His image.ST Aug 29, 1895 Christ is the ladder uniting earth with heaven, standing as advocate, assurance, and life, and keeping attention fixed on Him preserves the knowledge of God's character as revealed in the ten moral precepts and in the life of the Son, whereas if the view is lost Satan intercepts the light from God's throne and believers become weak, helpless, and a prey to temptation.ST Aug 29, 1895 Looking at the unseen means telling everything to Jesus, trusting that His ear is open to prayer and He will never leave nor forsake, being strong in the Lord who knows every perplexity and sorrow, receiving Him as a present help in every time of need, and clinging not to own strength but mightily to the Rock that is higher than self.Lt 51, 1880, par. 6

Certainty about unseen things comes as eternal realities and the beauty of imperishable treasure are brought before the mind through the Holy Spirit, teaching people to value Christ's reproach more highly than the world's riches and keeping visible things from ruling affections bought with an infinite price.ST Jun 26, 1893+1 The Spirit turns affections from temporary perishable things toward the eternal inheritance, helping believers perceive and live by eternal truths and grasp and cherish them.GW 286.3+1 The Spirit makes people see the priceless worth of what is unseen, leading them to value it above worldly wisdom and learning and to consecrate affections and abilities to higher pursuits.RH Jul 3, 1900

Looking in this way means speaking of heaven and heavenly matters and living in prayerful dependence on God rather than trusting that footing cannot slip.Ms 36, 1885, par. 27–29 It requires daily educating the tongue and girding up the mind to talk of Christ and to hope to the end for the grace to be brought at the revelation of Jesus Christ, instead of talking darkness and discouragement that only grows darker the more it is talked.Ms 1, 1891, par. 27–28 Even the severest trials are counted as light and momentary when seen in this way, calling for possessing the soul in patience amid the petty annoyances of everyday life so that they do not interrupt communion with God and separate from His love.ST Feb 12, 1885 It means to look up and not down, fixing the mind on Jesus and the eternal unseen rather than on visible troubles, poor feelings, and grievances against others, holding strongly to God, believing His promises without blaming anyone for discouragement, refusing to complain against brethren, and walking by faith.Lt 51, 1874, par. 20–28 Fixing the imagination on the evidence of God's great love helps faith endure trials, resist temptation, and bear disappointment, for Christ lives as advocate and His mediation secures what believers need.GW 478.1+1 One touch, word, and look from Jesus removes disease, despondency, and gloom, for God is a tower of strength who knows every trouble, grief, perplexity, and physical weakness and will sustain, help, and heal now, giving health, joy, hope, and courage as the Sun of Righteousness rises with healing.Lt 51, 1874, par. 20–28

Seeing Him who is invisible gives strength and vigor of soul and breaks the power of earth over mind and character, especially when depressed and discouraged, beset by temptation and conflict, and when heaven seems as brass, placing dependence on God while fighting against supernatural powers and trusting most fully in God so that brief light affliction produces eternal glory.AA 363.1 Citizens of heaven direct attention to eternal realities rather than being ruled by earthly things, and as they look to what is unseen the power of earthly things over mind and character is broken, so they live in communion with God and share the wealth of eternity through connection with Christ.RH Nov 10, 1910 Valuing things seen belongs to earth, while a citizen of the heavenly kingdom constantly looks at things not seen, and that looking gives the abiding presence of the heavenly Guest, brings continual communion in walking with God as Enoch walked, and works in the life the Holy Spirit's power to withstand temptation.Lt 63, 1896, par. 1 Only those who so walk with the Lord Jesus in this life will be translated or come forth from the grave changed from mortal to immortality to dwell with Christ in the heavenly courts through eternal ages.Lt 63, 1896, par. 1

Contemplating the heavenly makes the earthly less desirable and attractive and keeps mind and affections from submitting to the paralyzing influence of the world.Lt 30, 1893, par. 12–14 Fixing the eye of faith on unseen things and on Christ, in whom hopes of eternal life are centered, gives strength in divine strength, makes faith grow, strengthens hope, makes love more intense and fervent, makes spiritual insight and intelligence clearer, and reveals God's claim to purification from the customs and practices of a world that knows not God.Lt 30, 1893, par. 12–14 Reflecting Christ's image in character when His merits and power are beheld and told lifts the fog of doubt and makes it easy to lay trials and burdens on the Burden-bearer instead of staggering under them to shipwreck of faith, while letting worldly attractions come between the soul and God leaves only the world to be seen.Lt 30, 1893, par. 12–14 When visible things absorb the mind they weaken the power to act, whereas fixing attention on Jesus Christ and on unseen things sustains consecrated, self-denying effort, as in training youth for missionary work and in teachers and students in schools.Lt 28, 1898, par. 13 The world and its treasures become insignificant when attention is fixed on imperishable treasure, and following Christ in this way brings steady progress and fellowship with the Father and the Son.12MR 180.2–182.1 Fixing the mind on God's unseen and eternal realities means turning from imagined gloom and present troubles to the Saviour, heaven's glory, and the promised inheritance, a choice requiring effort and struggle on which present as well as eternal happiness depends.1T 703.1–704.1 The value of eternal realities becomes clearer through distinct views of Jesus and a fuller understanding of heavenly things, and divine disclosures of those things help fill God's children with the beauty of holiness.SC 99.3

This outlook means being armed with the mind of Christ and looking away from the things that are seen because they are temporal, and keeping the mind fixed upon the unseen heavenly things because they are eternal, upon the eternal weight of glory, thinking about them and talking about them.Ms 13, 1888, par. 48–52 Keeping a heaven to gain and a hell to shun before the mind keeps the things of earth from sapping religious fervor and gives strength to work out salvation with fear and trembling without doubt, discouragement, despair, or stumbling over little obstacles.Ms 13, 1888, par. 48–52 It belongs to those passing through this world as pilgrims and strangers who will soon lay off their armor at the Redeemer's feet, keeping actions, words, and thoughts right because of their influence for good or evil.Ms 13, 1888, par. 48–52 Those who keep attention on eternal realities rather than what is seen can look beyond present difficulties and trials to future immortal life, and like Paul they do not dwell on temporary things but focus on what is eternal.Ms 16, 1887, par. 17–18 When eyes are fixed on imperishable treasure and they follow Christ, they keep advancing rather than falling back, and the world and its treasures lose their importance while attention to eternal things gives hope and strength for faithful living.Ms 24, 1888, par. 6–10

Looking at what is visible leads to forgetting God, while beholding what is invisible by the eye of faith reveals God's way of working.AA 481.1 What is visible is apparent discomfiture and defeat, misfortune and calamity, and being cut off from usefulness, which tempts to mourn and to charge God with neglect or cruelty.AA 481.1 What is invisible is God's bringing of victory out of defeat and good out of chastisement as part of His great plan, so that under the rod of affliction a Christian may do more for the Master than in active service.AA 481.1 Looking toward heavenly realities strengthens faith, courage, perseverance, and patient endurance through suffering, and drawing life from above by contemplating what is unseen expresses trust in God's promise, which is counted as righteousness.RH Mar 29, 1870 Turning attention from earthly cares to heavenly things renews and strengthens spiritual life day by day.ST Sep 23, 1889 Looking beyond what can be seen helps meet trials with faith, hope, courage, patience, and trust in God, and trials borne patiently prepare for an eternal reward.20MR 134.3–4

The just keep looking by faith at unseen eternal things rather than seen temporal things, so present conflicts and uncertainties become small by comparison with the eternal weight of glory the overcomers will receive.Lt 31, 1875, par. 6 A heart stayed on God remains steadfast in trials and discouraging surroundings just as in prosperity, because faith is fixed on what is eternal rather than outward conditions.4T 448.1+1 In gathering darkness, being acquainted with prayer and interceding for God's grace gives a new and rich experience in eternal things with clearer views of that glory, producing assurance and hope strengthened by the strength of the Mighty One, shining faces with glory borrowed from heaven, and the faithful confession that the Lord God omnipotent reigns.Lt 31, 1875, par. 6 Truth sees invisible things and feels their power, giving eyes to see, a heart to feel, a head to plan for Christ, a tongue to speak for Him, and hands to work for Him.Lt 111, 1902, par. 6 Faith regards the blood shed on Calvary's cross as the only foundation for human hope and lays hold on its power as the only safeguard against the destroyer, and this look of faith brings victories that no other victories can compare with, triumphing amid discouragement with victory after victory, a hold that must never be let go.Lt 111, 1902, par. 6 While passing through an enemy's land with foes on every side to hinder advancement, Christians may cheer and animate their souls by looking at the things unseen, for the Captain of salvation who leads them can vanquish enemies though they are strong and artful, and as the sun disperses clouds from its path so the Sun of Righteousness will remove obstacles to their progress.Lt 8, 1873, par. 25–28 Faith thus strengthened to grasp things not seen prepares for more serious work ahead as laborers together with God, received through guardedness and watching unto prayer and through prayer that the Searcher of hearts will enlighten minds and soften hearts and quicken desire and intensify yearning to labor together with God.Lt 147, 1902, par. 6 The verse is applied as counsel to look to Jesus rather than be overwhelmed by present turmoil, disease, despondency, and gloom, for trust in Him can bring relief.6MR 302.4–5

Keeping the unseen realities in view by thinking of heaven with the imagination put to the utmost stretch and the loftiest thoughts the mind is capable of thinking seeks to comprehend the breadth and depth and height of eternity even though the mind grows weary in the effort and cannot take in its great themes.Ms 17, 1888, par. 15–16 Even the effort to understand has an uplifting influence on the mind and affects the whole character for good.Ms 17, 1888, par. 15–16 Only by keeping those unseen realities in view can anything of the wonderful theme of redemption be understood, including something of the price paid for redemption in Christ coming to the world to die for fallen man.Ms 17, 1888, par. 15–16 The depths of sin and degradation the human race has fallen to through sin are known only by the light shining from the cross of Calvary, and the depths sunk are known only by the length of the chain let down from heaven to draw humanity up, showing that there is no true goodness or greatness apart from God.Ms 17, 1888, par. 15–16

Trials in sorrow, adversity and reproach are God's appointed means and workmen to separate the chaff from the wheat.TCBMP 146.1 They are sent to test and prove Christians and to show the evils in character — selfishness, love of worldly pleasure, evil passions and pride — that through His strength and grace they may be overcome and they may partake of the divine nature having escaped corruption through lust.TCBMP 146.1 Afflictions, crosses, temptations, adversity and varied trials refine, sanctify and fit people for the heavenly garner.3T 115.1+1 In the world there is tribulation, but in Christ there is peace, for what is seen is temporary while what is unseen is eternal, so the look is beyond present affliction to eternal glory, and beside that glory trials are light and brief.3T 115.1+1

Faith looks beyond suffering to the unseen eternal inheritance, immortal life and exceeding weight of glory, and that suffering refines rather than destroys.1T 706.1–2+1 The one who endures is left purified and bearing God's likeness, prepared for heavenly life.1T 706.1–2+1 Christian character is formed and perfected through such self-denial and suffering, as Paul proved present suffering for truth to be little by reaching full moral stature in Christ through continual hardship, conflict, toil, weariness, pain, watchings, hunger, thirst, fastings, cold, nakedness, and perils by waters, robbers, countrymen, heathen, city, wilderness, sea and false brethren.Lt 5, 1880, par. 6–9 In the future life it will be seen how closely all trials were connected with salvation, giving cause for praise to God and thanks for every reproof that taught human weakness and the power, patience and love of Christ, with self sunk into nothingness and Jesus exalted.Lt 5, 1880, par. 6–9

Present suffering for Christ is light and temporary beside the eternal life and reward ahead.1T 656.3–658.2 Fixing the eye on that unseen future makes the riches, honor and pleasures of this world seem valueless and sustains God's people through persecution and affliction.1T 656.3–658.2 Faith looks beyond what can be seen and touched to the lasting value of eternal things, trusting God's presence and care in severe trial rather than judging life by visible hardships or worldly success.4T 525.2–526.1 Earthly honor, wealth and power pass away, while the faithful have an eternal inheritance and an enduring weight of glory that the world may not recognize.4T 525.2–526.1

Looking to unseen eternal interests rather than seen temporal things keeps a soul stayed upon God and kept by God the same in afflicting trials and discouraging surroundings as in prosperity. No human or Satanic power can stain the soul without consent to sin. Misrepresentation, slander blackening the reputation, and falsifying of words, motives and actions do not move such a person, because greater eternal interests are at stake, giving steadiness under reproach and persecution.

Trials and pain belong to the temporary visible life, while glory belongs to the unseen lasting reality, and trials borne with cheerful, trustful patience prepare a lasting reward.Lt 7, 1885, par. 17–18 Looking beyond present sorrow to the eternal helps turn from painful past experiences rather than dwell on them, keeps sight of heaven, and changes believers into His likeness.Lt 7, 1885, par. 17–18 The trials endured for Christ are temporary while the glory they produce is eternal, directing faithful soldiers to look beyond visible hardships to unseen eternal realities and so endure painful conflict.Lt 62, 1886, par. 12–14 The coming rest in God's kingdom and the presence of Christ are the unseen hope that helps dispel present troubles, for present afflictions are brief beside the eternal glory to come, yet that hope does not justify impatience, for work is to be done faithfully and the Lord's coming may be delayed so more may prepare.Lt 84, 1886, par. 34–35

Keeping afflictions in their proper scale as brief and serving in the work of an eternal glory calls for serious thought about how reasoning powers are used, rather than spending them on idle things that cannot be taken into the life to come when Christ returns.Ms 16, 1886, par. 17 Considering matters of eternal importance and humbling the heart before God brings needed spiritual correction.Ms 16, 1886, par. 17+1

Moses shows what the verse means by choosing through faith, for he gave up the apparent and flattering temporary good of Egypt's court because it was bound up with sin, valuing Christ's reproach above its treasures and enduring by seeing the invisible God.4T 345.1–2+1 What he surrendered was only temporary, while what he chose by faithfulness to God was sure and eternal, and the unseen reward made reproach and hardship worth enduring.4T 345.1–2+1 Abraham likewise drew strength by looking beyond what mortal sight could see to eternal things, which enabled him to endure the command to offer Isaac.ST Apr 3, 1879 God designed that sacrifice as a vivid foreshadowing of the death of His only Son, so Abraham's trial teaches perfect faith and obedience and helps understand the Father's real self-denial and infinite sacrifice in giving His Son for guilty humanity.ST Apr 3, 1879

Those facing the vast confederacy of evil arrayed against all who would overcome are called to fix attention on invisible reality, especially the armies of heaven encamped about all who love God to deliver them.DA 240.2–3+1 Angels have stayed near faithful followers in every age, as when Lot was led safely out of Sodom and when horses and chariots of fire stood round Elisha against the Syrian host while Syrian horses, chariots and armed men surrounded his city.DA 240.2–3+1 Through angelic interposition believers are preserved from dangers seen and unseen, and the full extent will never be known until in the light of eternity the providences of God are seen.DA 240.2–3+1 Then it will be known that the whole family of heaven was interested in the family below and that messengers from the throne of God attended each step day by day.DA 240.2–3+1

The disciples had their sight briefly turned by the Holy Spirit from visible circumstances and appearances to unseen realities, discerning beneath Jesus' human form the glory of the Son of God.DA 412.1 In fear at His coming departure their hope was pointed from earthly exile to the heavenly home, resting on what is unseen and eternal rather than on visible temporary circumstances.DA 412.1+1 Judging only by what is visible gives a false view of strength, as when the emperor and pope appeared strong and the reformers appeared weak.GC88 202.2+1 The reformers' true strength lay not in numbers or human help but in appeal to Scripture, to God's word, to Jesus Christ and to the King of heaven and earth, realities beyond what could be seen.GC88 202.2+1

Like palm roots drawing from hidden water, Christians draw strength and grace from the unseen source of spiritual life and remain spiritually alive, pure and loyal amid ridicule, corruption and godlessness.ST Jan 16, 1879 Their life is hidden with Christ in God, as shown by Enoch walking with God and Daniel remaining uncontaminated in Babylon, with Jesus as their source of life everlasting.ST Jan 16, 1879 John after Christ's ascension, with fresh zeal and power from the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost, led the thoughts of others to the Unseen by speaking words of life and telling Christ's words and works with simplicity, sublime power, fervor, earnestness and beautiful language that impressed hearts and gave access to all classes.AA 546.1

Hebrew children's instruction used figures and symbols to fix lessons in memory and guide thoughts and hopes beyond things they could see to eternal realities.FE 95.3–4 Studying God's purposes in history and prophecy likewise helps judge temporal things in the light of eternity and live for what is true, noble and enduring, and learning the principles of God's everlasting kingdom prepares for entering it when Christ comes.PK 548.2 To those standing on the very verge of fulfilment, delineations of things to come have deep moment and living interest, events for which God's children have watched and waited, longed and prayed since the first parents turned from Eden.ED 183.1–2 Yet before the great final crisis, as before the world's first destruction, men are absorbed in pleasures and pursuits of sense, engrossed with the seen and transitory and having lost sight of the unseen and eternal, sacrificing imperishable riches for things that perish with the using.ED 183.1–2 Their minds need to be uplifted, their views of life broadened, and they need to be aroused from the lethargy of worldly dreaming, for turning the eyes from what is visible to what is invisible is a spiritual awakening needed now as never before.ED 183.1–2+1

The verse calls for valuing lasting spiritual good above passing desires and pleasures, and giving up selfish inclinations is not loss but exchange of what is worthless and fleeting for what is precious and enduring.ED 296.2–3 Worldly honor and greatness have only the low value God places on them, with worldly wisdom as foolishness and worldly strength as weakness, while true elevation of character is found alone through Christ imputing His righteousness to the one who yields the heart's best and holiest affections to Him, so that human worth is in proportion to union and alliance with God.Lt 9, 1873, par. 11–12 Contemplating outward afflictions as only for a moment and as working out a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory belongs to that upward look to unseen eternal realities rather than visible temporary things.Lt 9, 1873, par. 11–12

Faithful soldiers under Christ keep eyes off visible temporary things and fix them on invisible eternal things.ST Aug 30, 1905+2 The Christian life is real aggressive warfare, not make-believe, with powerful adversaries, difficult work taxing every power, painful trials endured for Christ's sake and soul-rending conflicts, with no excuse from hardship and no promise of constant comfort, luxury, ease, exemption from battle or temporal comforts.ST Aug 30, 1905+1 Endurance through that battle is possible by looking beyond present suffering to the eternal glory that light momentary affliction produces, for God gives that overwhelming reward not to those whose life is self-indulgence and pleasure but only to those who endure.ST Aug 30, 1905+2

Contemplating eternal riches binds affections to things above, loosens grasp on earthly things, displaces idolatrous love for seen earthly things with higher and better love for what is imperishable and precious, and turns wasteful spending into use of money to present truth to perishing souls.Lt 97, 1895, par. 66–68+1 The soul accepting truth sees the surpassing glory of heavenly things and the excellency of everlasting life, is charmed by the unseen and eternal, fastens the eye with admiration on the glories of the other world, and counts present trials brief and light compared with riches to be enjoyed and surpassing glory being worked out.Lt 97, 1895, par. 66–68+1 Fixation on making money lets earthly wealth eclipse heavenly treasure and makes the immortal inheritance seem unimportant, and investing in temporal possessions while neglecting God's work shows love of the world has eclipsed salvation and service, a contrast tested by tithes and offerings.5T 261.2+1

Eternal interests are more enduring, more noble and elevated than temporal interests, and the greatest tact and skill belong on what is imperishable and endures as eternity.5T 425.2 God is not glorified when influential men make themselves mere businessmen and ignore the eternal, and believers should develop talent in serving the Lord and show as much tact and ability building up Christ's cause as in worldly enterprises.5T 425.2 God's work should take precedence over material circumstances even at temporal loss, and workers are to connect what is seen with what is not seen so faith is complete, for visible things are temporary while unseen things are eternal and every moment of service should be lived in view of that reality.HSFM 128.3–4+1

Time must be redeemed from things seen and temporal to meditate upon things unseen and eternal.21MR 42.1–2+2 This is done by placing oneself habitually where the Holy Spirit lavishes wisdom, working out principles of the Word without outward display for greatness, putting on Christ, communing with Him in secret, laying hold by faith on His might and making peace with Him, and resisting an encroaching world that would separate from the source of strength.21MR 42.1–2+1 Nothing else carries through earth's closing scenes to victory and the crown of life that fadeth not away as one presses toward the mark of the prize.21MR 42.1–2+1 The greater a physician's responsibilities the more divine power and time for meditation are needed, and physicians are to lead patients' minds to healthy spiritual action free from all human enchantment to lay hold on eternal realities instead of lowering effort to the merely human level or groveling to humanity.7T 74.1+2

Placing a right estimate upon eternal things as rational creatures and never losing eternity out of reckoning forbids giving the mind to devotion to earthly pursuits and making God and heaven secondary, for that is calamity for time and eternity.Lt 22, 1894, par. 3–5+1 Cross, disappointment, shattered earthly prospects, neglect of friends and disapproval of the world are far better than sitting with princes and losing heaven, because the greatest riches this world can bestow leave a person wretched, hopeless and miserable in God's estimation.Lt 22, 1894, par. 3–5 Love of the world allowed to come in takes possession of and rules the heart, where one passion after another and one project after another sways the heart and expels the Holy Spirit from the soul.Lt 22, 1894, par. 3–5+1

That valuation is shown by dress and deportment, with simple, plain, unpretending dress recommending religion and letting light shine, while dressing according to fashion and wearing lace and gold and artificials for display denies the estimate, fails to recommend truth and marks weak minds and proud hearts.MYP 348.3 Pleasure-seeking and conformity to fashion dull spiritual sensibilities and hinder valuing eternal things and pursuing godliness, with artificial adornment and outward display contrasted with beauty of character.RH Oct 17, 1871 Intellectual attainments and knowledge have no worth when pursued for temporal advantage or left unused, but are valuable when serving God's honor and human good, and children should be taught to value eternal welfare above worldly interests and form characters fit for immortality.RH Aug 22, 1912+1

Faith may give up what is visible because it trusts God's promise of what is invisible, as in respect for the Sabbath with its inward conflicts, severe struggles and temptations unknown to others, which God sees.GW92 218.1 When visible difficulties make work seem impossible, faith trusts God to lead step by step without seeing the outcome and perseveres through opposition and trying times.RH Dec 5, 1907 Focusing on visible circumstances brings discouragement because they are temporary, while looking at the invisible means working and speaking in faith instead of unbelief and laboring in faith and hope sowing truth without apparent means or immediate success, trusting future returns.LSEGW 360.3–5+2 Lack of means, no school building, work at a standstill and unpromising mission fields needing workers are the visible things, while spiritual and eternal results, fellowship with Christ and His faithful servants, souls won, one soul worth more than visible cost of land, and sheaves already to bring to the Master are the invisible reward of sowing in hope and cultivating ground and soul to produce precious fruit.LSEGW 360.3–5+1

God's people find riches, fullness and power by looking to the unseen rather than judging by visible weakness and circumstances.Ms 68, 1899, par. 27–29+1 A work beginning with few resources and apparent weakness can begin the triumph of truth and righteousness, for following God's direction is safety and true success.7T 169.2 Present financial need and perplexity are real but not the final measure of what God can do, and light and glory beyond dark clouds of troubles are reached by doing all possible without worrying about money, trusting God to care for affairs and send money when best, with faith increased by talking faith rather than dwelling on discouragement, worry, unbelief and doubt.Ms 68, 1899, par. 27–29+1

Workers grafted into the true vine and becoming more fruitful do not look at temporal things but at unseen eternal things.Lt 27, 1896, par. 36–37 Life is too solemn to be absorbed in temporal earthly matters in a treadmill of care and anxiety for things but an atom beside eternal interests, and the Lord's instrumentalities must be viewed as ordained to do His work to establish His kingdom, not to build selfish interests.Lt 27, 1896, par. 36–37 Keeping the mind off temporary business cares such as money, prices and royalties and keeping it on lasting spiritual work such as publishing truth belongs to that look, and taking up a temporal burden of managing publishing affairs to continue that work does not cancel it, for God gives strength to bear that added burden.Lt 49, 1891, par. 9–11 Ignorance of God's dealing leaves selfishness to be revealed when trial comes and sentiments of religious experience to be made manifest, and everything separating from God develops traits preventing sight of the mansions Christ prepares for cooperating workers, while the world without excuse does not know God and Christ yet could know sinfulness of selfish motives and imitate His pure self-denying life instead of contentment with the established order while souls perish.Lt 27, 1896, par. 36–37

Fixing attention on Jesus Christ and unseen things sustains consecrated self-denying effort in training youth for missionary work and in teaching in schools, since visible things absorbing the mind weaken power to act.Lt 28, 1898, par. 13 Using God-given talents as intended gives increased aptitude, wisdom and clear spiritual eyesight to understand His work, keeping mind and eyes watching for Christ's appearing and ears open to His voice, kneeling in prayer, running obediently in His commandments, telling Christ's life, lessons, death, resurrection and ascension, and devoting bodily strength, sympathies and energies to glorify the Redeemer in the good fight of faith, with God as strength taken hold of by faith.Lt 28, 1898, par. 13+1 Physicians are to turn people of wealth and talent from material things toward eternal realities and saving truth, and those bound up with humanity's afflictions and necessities, keeping the eye of faith beholding the eternal unseen, grow more intelligent in God's great plan to bring sufferers to discern the soul's value and to esteem Christ's reproach greater riches than Egypt's treasures.Lt 86a, 1893, par. 48+1

Those claiming Christianity must be driven from the perishable to the eternal, giving up idols admitted into the heart and receiving Jesus left standing outside, for preferring idols is spiritual blindness and trifling, and if not willingly forsaken God will dash them to the ground one after another.Lt 23c, 1894, par. 10 Choosing eternal life is shown by not treating this world as home or treasure but seeking a better heavenly country and the city God has built, turning attention from earthly trials and the temporary toward the unseen eternal.7MR 216.2–3 Safety and strength come from depending on Christ rather than worldly people or human aid and not being guided by the natural tendency to give greater value to what is seen, for fear of opposition and failure comes from fixing on the visible.Lt 52, 1900, par. 14–16+1 In hardship outward appearances must not determine belief, for God sees and records every sacrifice and anguish and His judgment and reward will appear in the Lord's day.CET 151.2–3

Even when surrendering something good or enduring present affliction, believers can look beyond the temporary to the greater lasting good and glory God works, with trials for truth's and Christ's sake working surpassing eternal glory for those keeping the look away from visible passing things to invisible lasting things.Lt 1, 1896, par. 4–5+1 With eternity near and coming judgment according to deeds done in the body, it is better to bear the cross now and follow the self-denying path the Saviour trod than have every wish gratified and lose heaven and eternal life.Lt 1, 1896, par. 4–5 The coming rest in God's kingdom and Christ's presence dispel present troubles beside eternal glory to come, yet do not justify impatience, for work is to be done faithfully though His coming may be delayed so more may prepare.Lt 84, 1886, par. 34–35

Temporal worldly business must not crowd in to make the soul's highest interest secondary, which robs God and the soul, nor leave the Word out of counsel to depend on human wisdom and serve mammon.Ms 19, 1894, par. 4–5 The verse means living day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment in view of the invisible world, beholding the unseen by faith as Moses did and fighting the good fight to perfect character, with light affliction so endured working eternal weight of glory.Ms 19, 1894, par. 4–5 When dwelling on temporal things, people should now seek what is above where Christ is and yield hearts to God individually without waiting for revival, meeting or others.ST Jan 16, 1893

Keeping unseen realities of eternity before us helps value eternal things rightly against temporary things and gives power to influence others toward the higher life.MH 508.1 Visible worldly things can eclipse the glory of eternal realities, so seeking the hidden treasure requires looking beyond worldly pursuits and devoting affections and abilities to the eternal with higher pursuits and consecration.COL 112.1+1 The Holy Spirit makes the priceless worth of the unseen seen, leading to valuing it above worldly wisdom and learning.RH Jul 3, 1900

Those who will gain heaven will not be content looking at the seen but will lay hold with heart's affections on the unseen eternal.Lt 70, 1893, par. 17 This means appreciating God's love, mercy, benevolence and character and practicing His virtues with intensity of desire proportionate to the eternal object's value, gaining experimental knowledge of Jesus not by casual touch but by living faith, having the heart filled with His presence and love until every idol is dethroned, and serving Christ in love with eye single to His glory.Lt 70, 1893, par. 17 Keeping the unseen eternal future in view keeps earthly enchantments from stealing affection and hardening the heart, keeps Jesus enthroned and loved with whole soul, and calls for sacrificing ease, pleasure and present worldly advantages for obedience, for Jesus gives eternal life and incomparable riches and glory in immortal life, even as present comfort is given up for lesser future earthly gain.Lt 15a, 1871, par. 8

Looking up and not down, fixing mind on Jesus and the eternal unseen rather than visible troubles, poor feelings and grievances, calls for strong hold on God, believing promises without blaming others, refusing complaint against brethren and walking by faith.Lt 51, 1874, par. 20–28 One touch, word and look from Jesus removes disease, despondency and gloom, for God as tower of strength knows every trouble, grief, perplexity and weakness and sustains, helps and heals now, giving health, joy, hope and courage as the Sun of Righteousness rises with healing.Lt 51, 1874, par. 20–28 Looking by faith to unseen things sustains stern earnest daily work, makes heaven known as home and causes trials and hardships to be lost sight of, with the long-cherished hope of seeing Jesus as He is and being made like Him not to be risked, requiring guarded steps and prayerful faith to win the unfading crown and see loved ones among the redeemed in God's city.Lt 30, 1874, par. 3