Are you focused on the long term or short term!
What will you give up for the short term so that you can enjoy the long term?
The U.S. society overwhelming lives on credit. In fact, the total credit card debt in this country is now at a record $1.13 trillion. Why? The media has convinced most that buy now, pay later is a desirable path to take. As I have said in the past, the term “mortgage” means death grip.
Short-term thinking sacrifices your future wellbeing, and possibly your Eternal reward.
Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Ephesians chapter 1:
7 Since we are now joined to Christ, we have been given the treasures of redemption by His Blood—the total cancellation of our sins—all because of the cascading riches of His grace.
8 This superabundant grace is already powerfully working in us, releasing all forms of Wisdom and practical understanding.
9 And through the revelation of the Anointed One, He unveiled His secret desires to us—the hidden mystery of His long-range plan, which He was delighted to implement from the very beginning of time.
10 And because of God’s unfailing purpose, this detailed plan will reign supreme through every period of time until the fulfillment of all the ages finally reaches its climax—when God makes all things new in all of Heaven and earth through Jesus Christ.
11 Through our union with Christ we too have been claimed by God as His own inheritance. Before we were even born, He gave us our destiny; that we would fulfill the plan of God who always accomplishes every purpose and plan in His Heart. TPT
It is critical that we understand the revelation Paul was given by The Holy Spirit.
With humility and integrity, Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in 2nd Corinthians chapter 12:
1 Although it may not accomplish a thing, I need to move on and boast about supernatural visions and revelations of the Lord.
2 Someone I’m acquainted with, who is in union with Christ, was swept away fourteen years ago in an ecstatic experience. He was taken into the third Heaven, but I’m not sure if he was in his body or out of his body—only God knows.
3 And I know that this man (again, I’m not sure if he was still in his body or taken out of his body—God knows)
4 was caught up in an ecstatic experience and brought into paradise, where he overheard many wondrous and inexpressible secrets that were so sacred that no mortal is permitted to repeat them.
Paul waited fourteen years to share this experience. Most scholars agree that it was Paul who was caught up. He did not immediately attempt to impress anyone of his spiritual superiority but instead wrote at the appropriate time to help us in building our faith in Jesus Christ.
Paul knew the long-term benefits of having faith in Christ which is the Cornerstone of our future.
It is written by THE SPIRIT in Jeremiah chapter 29:
11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
12 Then you will call upon ME and come and pray to ME, and I will hear you.
13 You will seek ME and find ME, when you seek ME with all your heart.
14 I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.
FATHER spoke to me several years ago and instructed me to get out of debt… including our house. I believed and had faith in HIS Word. HE supernaturally blessed us financially and we were able to become debt free. It was by faith, not by our works. Am I any more special than you? Absolutely not! HE had to change my mindset in the area of finances. HE can and will do the same for you. HIS plan for us is a long-term plan of blessing. For that plan to be realized, we may be required to sacrifice in the short term.
The short term tends to satisfy “self”. Will you sacrifice “self” for the long term?