The Big Picture

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Romans 8:18, ESV

When my husband Ken and I have a snarky disagreement, or when we start haggling over petty details, we come back to the words of Romans 8:18. Right in the midst of whatever we’re doing, one of us will stop and ask the other: What’s the big picture?

That ‘big picture’ is what Romans 8:18 is all about. Why are we here? Where are we going? What is our goal?

These questions help us remember: the big picture is the other side of eternity. In our marriage, Ken and I do not want to disappoint our Savior. Jesus has invested so much, even his own blood, for our eternal security. When we stop and remember our eternal destiny, we don’t want to risk not hearing those wonderful words from Jesus, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

That goal line changes how we respond in the nit-picky details of a disagreement. When tempers are hot, we tend to only focus on our version of the here-and-now. But when I remember the cosmic stakes of my day-to-day actions, when I remember that in heaven, all of my troubles on earth will appear light and momentary… that changes my perspective. I lose the desire to give a snippy comeback or hang on to a trivial grudge. The big picture deflates my pride and desire to have my own way. With both of us setting our eyes on the finish line, our argument pales in comparison.

If you find yourself in frequent arguments, sit down and sketch it out: What is the big picture? Then, commit to make that your goal. Heaven is the finish line, and that’s worth living for.

Pray with Me: God, forgive me for the times when my own selfish desires have caused fights and arguments like it says in James 4. Place before me reminders of the big picture: eternal life in the joy of your presence. Thank you that the troubles and hardships I face now are merely temporary and cannot compare with the glory that is to come.