Temporal

<<short-lived, passing>>

This refers to what is of this world and will not last as opposed to eternal or spiritual. The physical realm (what is seen) is temporary, while what is unseen (the spiritual realm) is eternal (2 Cor 4:18).

Whatever the devil achieves is only temporary, because, along with him, it is doomed to the Lake of Fire – eternal damnation (Rev 20:10).

In the OT God’s blessings were generally in material wealth and prosperity (Gen 24:35; Deut 28:1-14). However, in the NT His blessings are largely spiritual although often they overflow into the physical realm too, for God gives good gifts to His children and also the expectation “that you may prosper and be in health even as your soul is getting on well” (Mt 7:11; 3 Jn 1:2).

Esau sold his long-term (spiritual) inheritance for the short-term temporal relief of a meal to satisfy his hunger (Gen 25:29-34). Even though he earnestly tried he could not change the outcome of that choice (Heb 12:16,17). As there are always consequences to our choices, don’t make short-sighted

Keep eternity in view

decisions. Satan wants us to give in to ‘the flesh’ and satisfy its desires without considering the long-term repercussions. What we do in this life determines the rewards or penalty we receive in the next (Mt 16:27, 25:14-30). It is essential to have the right perspective. Any present suffering is achieving an eternal blessing that far outweighs the temporary hardship (1 Pet 1:6,7).

Moses sacrificed the easy option for one of hardship but that had an eternal reward (Heb 11:24-27).

Jesus looked beyond the pain to what would be accomplished by His death for sinners (Heb 12:2).

We came into this world with nothing and will depart the same way, but we will answer for what we have done in this ‘trial’ period on earth and that will determine where we spend eternity (Job 1:21; Eccl 5:15; Mt 25:34-46; Rom 14:12). "This world in its present form is passing away...But those that do what pleases God will live forever" (1 Cor 7:31; 1 Jn 2:17).

Saul desired man’s fleeting recognition more than a relationship with God based on obedience (1 Sam 15:30). Do I will value earthly success and honour by others more than the spiritual blessings and commendation by God? If we put God’s Kingdom first, by focusing our attention on eternally lasting things and use our resorces to expand His Kingdom rather than just storing up treasure on earth (where it will only deterioate and someone else will capitalise on it after we die), He will reward us for our stewardship and involvement (Mt 6:19-21,33, 16:27; Lk 12:16-21; 2 Cor 5:10; Col 3:2).

See also: eternal/eternity, focus, materialism, perspective .