He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men. (Eccl. 3:11)

In 1625 GALILEO popularized the design of the compound microscope (which he called “the little eye”). With it, a whole new world was opened up. What was once unseen became visible. And, more than that, we soon learned that it was actually all that we could not see that made what we could see possible! Similarly, faith operates much like a microscope. It opens our eyes to a realm previously unseen. And, as our eyes of faith are opened, we quickly come to the realization that it is this unseen realm that is actually responsible for all we can see. However, our culture and our sinful nature work to blur and distort the image of this unseen realm by getting us to focus on the here and now. Like a microscope with an out-of-focus lens, our “temporal eyes” miss so much that God has for us to see and experience.

In our Scripture passage for today, Solomon made it clear that God has planted eternity in our hearts. While we may live on earth only temporarily, we were made for so much more. Our purpose extends beyond our earthly lives and will echo through the ages. Real life is not bound up in the temporary. Rather, real life is using the temporary to change eternity one life at a time.

You cannot kill time without injuring eternity. Live this day for Christ.

Mark J. Musser is a pastor at Trinity Wesleyan Church in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He lives with his wife and teenage son.