For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
The Duomo di Milano is one of the largest church buildings in the world. Though work began on the massive structure in Milan, Italy, in 1386 the final details were not completed until 1965, almost six centuries later. The entire city of Milan is arranged around the church with the main roads either leading to it or circling around it. One of the most noted features of the building is the triple doorway that leads into the cathedral. One side door features a carved wreath of roses with the inscription, “All that which pleases is but for a moment.” The other side door has a sculptured cross with the inscription, “All that which troubles is but for a moment.” The center door inscription reads, “That only is important which is eternal.”
The reality of living in a world marred by sin does not change when we become children of God. There are still hardships and troubles and even persecution in some cases. But as the old song put it, “This world is not my home, I’m just a passin’ through.” Every day we have the opportunity to choose our focus. We can fix our attention on the things of the world and let that be the thing that determines our emotions and actions. But it is far better to fix our attention on things that are eternal. Paul wrote, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1). Only when we live for eternity will we live in a manner that is truly honoring and pleasing to God.
