Short Term / Long Term

If we focus on the cultural happenings around us, we will surely get discouraged. David found himself in a similar situation when he wrote,

“I would have despaired
unless I had believed I would see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13

Several years ago I served as Minister of Music in a church that experienced a fire in its sanctuary. I remember gathering with church members on the church’s parking lot early that morning and watching as fire fighters fought the blaze.

Although it was a horrific event in the life of our dear church family, I also remember thinking, “For the short term, this will be very difficult. But for the long term, it will be great!” What did I mean by that?

In my opinion, the sanctuary was in need of some renovating.

The carpet in the music-making areas needed to be replaced with hardwood. The console of the wonderful pipe organ needed to be made mobile. The choir rail needed to be made movable and the entire stage needed to be redesigned.

As a result of the fire, all of the above happened.

But getting through the short term of worship services being displaced to the gym with a temporary stage, inadequate sound system and no organ was a difficult adjustment.

Short term was difficult. Long term was great.

As believers we must remember we are in the short term but the long term is coming. Heaven will be forever! Don’t be discouraged – keep your focus above!