Take a moment right now to stop and think: The time we have on earth is truly a precious resource. Life on earth is a training ground for eternally serving God in heaven; and an opportunity to put into practice what we learn. Paul is our example: “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Eph. 5:16) One way to view life is that we are God’s appointed foreign exchange students.

What will we do with each moment?

At first, we’re not really comfortable with many things. Dangers and the unknown make us uneasy in this foreign land as His ambassadors. Yet God teaches that He is our strength and wisdom in all matters, which enables us to develop a reliance on Him to become strong and more resilient to endure and suffer through difficulties of life on earth. Our tendency is to exalt and focus our mind upon the things we fear around us, but we are to exalt Him, and things high above. This is the replacement principle in action. We are not to be "conformed to this world," but instead, "transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Romans 12:2)

We do not need to be afraid to make errors as we “press toward the mark of the high (above) calling.” Making mistakes and facing problems are to be expected. God has designed it so that we will learn from them as we walk by faith: knowing “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Actually, a mistake has the potential to teach us what to do and what to avoid as we apply Pauline doctrine to the details of this life. Situations are not to be avoided but embraced. God's ways provide us with a new perspective to realize there is no failure, just opportunities to grow in knowledge and grace. He deals with us in grace because we also know

¹There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but [walk] after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1)

As we are open to learn. We use our time to become as a sponge, accessing God’s ways, His wisdom, and power to negotiate the challenges we face. As we learn we are those who are;

¹⁹ Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 1 Timothy 6:19 (KJV)

We endeavor to keep eternity in view as we use our time with wisdom.

¹³ Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Titus 2:13 (KJV)

¹⁴ I press toward the mark [raiment] for the prize of the high [Gk. ano, above] calling of God in Christ Jesus. …  ²⁰ For our conversation [citizenship] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: ²¹ Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto [Gk. summorphous, jointly formed] his glorious [resurrection] body, …. Philippians 3:14, 20-21 (KJV)

The ‘mark’ of this high above calling is seen here;

⁴ When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also [will simultaneously] appear with him in [heaven’s] glory. Colossians 3:4 (KJV)

What a glorious opportunity to be trained as we endeavor to live in His stead while still on this earth.

Portions adapted from: https://supplyofgrace.com