View Present Tribulations as Momentary!

Like it or not, we daily see things we would prefer not to see. A glance into the mirror and we cannot help but notice the undesirable spots and blemishes of the physical body, indications of physical imperfection. When we peer into the mirror of God’s Word, we see spiritual flaws and blemishes, both in ourselves and in others. (James 1:22-25) And when we look at the daily newspaper or the television screen, accounts of injustice, cruelty, and tragedy leap out to tug at our heartstrings.

Satan would like to cause us to despair because of the things we see or to become sidetracked and begin to waver in faith. How can we prevent this from happening? We must follow the example set by Jesus Christ, as recommended by the apostle Peter when he said: “In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving you a model for you to follow his steps closely.” (1 Peter 2:21) In every aspect of Christian living, Jesus was the perfect example.

In pointing to Jesus as our model, Peter particularly mentioned that Jesus suffered. Indeed, Jesus suffered a great deal when on earth. As Jehovah’s “master worker” present at mankind’s creation, he knew exactly what God intended humans to be. (Proverbs 8:30, 31) But now he saw firsthand what sin and imperfection had caused them to become. Daily he saw and had to deal with people’s imperfections and weaknesses. That must have been trialsome for him.—Matthew 9:36; Mark 6:34.

Besides the tribulations of others, Jesus also saw his own. (Hebrews 5:7, 8) But with perfect spiritual eyesight, he looked beyond them to see the reward of being elevated to immortal life for his course of integrity. Then as Messianic King, he would have the privilege of lifting afflicted humankind out of its debased condition back to the perfection Jehovah had originally purposed. Keeping his eye focused on these invisible future prospects helped him maintain joy in godly service despite the tribulations he saw from day to day. Paul later wrote: “For the joy that was set before him he endured a torture stake, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”—Hebrews 12:2.

Jesus never allowed the hardships and trialsome circumstances to cause him to despair, to become sidetracked, or to waver in his faith. As his disciples, we must follow his sterling example closely.—Matthew 16:24.

Paul went on to say: “For though the tribulation is momentary and light, it works out for us a glory that is of more and more surpassing weight and is everlasting;