For this reason we never become discouraged. Even though our physical being is gradually decaying, yet our spiritual being is renewed day after day. And this small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, must greater than the trouble. For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts forever.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

How we respond to loss is all a matter of perspective. One person is absorbed with the permanent; the other with the passing. One stores up treasure in heaven; the other accumulates it here on earth. One stays with a difficult marriage because heaven is ahead; another moves out and looks for happiness with another mate. While one believes that happiness is found in being rich and famous, Christ’s followers are will to suffer poverty, hunger, indignity, and shame, all because of the future glory that will see in heaven.

Living only for temporary gain leads to eternal loss.

Our Daily Bread – August 4, 2003