4:172 Corinthians 4:17

Present troubles are light and last only a moment, yet they work out for believers a glory that is far greater, weighty and lasting forever.EW 22.6+2 That glory comes while looking away from visible things that pass to invisible things that endure, keeping the eye fixed on heaven rather than on obstacles and pain.EW 22.6+2 Sufferings themselves are God's appointed means to test, refine and purify character, fitting people for heaven when they are borne with patience, faith and trust in Christ.Ms 58, 1900, par. 71–74+2 The glory was secured because Christ left heaven, became poor and was lifted on the cross, so that through His poverty and death believers are made rich and given immortal life.9T 49.2+2 It will be substantial fullness of joy, holiness and honor in God's presence with Jesus and the angels, where sickness, sorrow and death are gone, and it belongs to those who share Christ's suffering, obey, endure and overcome to the end.Lt 1, 1896, par. 4–5+4

Present trouble is light and lasts only for a moment, while it works out for believers a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.EW 22.6+4 The contrast is between what is temporary and what is eternal, between suffering that passes and glory that remains and far outweighs it.ExVEGW 39.11–12+3 That glory is received while looking beyond what is seen, which is temporal, to what is unseen, which is eternal, and keeping affliction in that perspective turns the mind from painful past experiences.EW 22.6+2 Suffering endured for faithfulness, even to the point of persecution and death, is therefore reason to trust God and persevere by faith rather than to despair.8T 125.3+2

Even what feels heavy is called light and momentary when measured against the glory to come.Ms 58, 1900, par. 69–70+4 Paul's beatings, time in the deep, hunger, cold, nakedness, suffering from false brethren, bodily infirmity, hatred and malice, hindrances in the work, years of self-denial, privation, persecution, illness and intense opposition set the standard, so present trifling difficulties give no ground for complaint.Ms 58, 1900, par. 69–70+4 Continual murmuring and fretfulness over the slightest interference with will and pleasure grieves the Spirit, and careless indifference that lives and works for self and its honor leaves the soul to be beguiled by visions of ease, selfish pleasure, profit and power.Ms 58, 1900, par. 69–70+1 Strength does not come from staring at obstacles but from looking away from dark and mysterious providences, deprivation and passing seen things to unseen things that last forever, fixing the eye upward on the heavenly reward and future immortal inheritance with joy, hope and triumph.Ms 58, 1900, par. 71–74+2 The privileges and advantages of the Christian life are thus of the highest value and are not outweighed by its hardships.ST Aug 18, 1909+2

Believers do not faint though the outward man perishes and physical strength declines under the enemy's power and the outer life wastes away, because the inward man is renewed day by day.RH May 6, 1902+3 Brief present hardships produce a vastly greater glory that lasts forever for those who do not give up, received while looking not at temporary visible things but at lasting invisible things.RH May 29, 1913+2 Paul refused to faint in that declining outward condition, but clad in the whole armor of God pressed forward in the conflict, faithfully and unflinchingly declaring the gospel with cheer and triumph and with gaze fixed on high on the reward of the faithful.RH May 6, 1902+1

Wearing the yoke with Jesus is a privilege and an exaltation, and believing and trusting in Him enables believers to truly call sufferings light and only for a moment while they work out great everlasting glory.Lt 89, 1894, par. 10+3 Safety lies only in lives that copy Christ's life, in looking to Jesus the Author of salvation and keeping Him in mind so weariness does not overcome, and in pressing forward clad in the whole armor of God.20MR 12.4–5+2 The few trials borne for His name are small and short and should not cause fainting or complaint that the lot is hard, and the eternal weight of glory is a greatly privileged gift God condescends to give through yoking up with Jesus and learning of Him, which is lost by refusing to keep the way of the Lord.Lt 89, 1894, par. 10+2

The glory is worked out while looking not at what is seen but at what is not seen, because what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal.EW 22.6+4 Present affliction is brief and light beside the far greater eternal glory it produces, and this hope holds even when the outward person perishes and physical strength declines, because the inward person is renewed day by day.EW 22.6+4 That looking means perfecting Christian character day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment, fighting the good fight of faith as in sight of the invisible world and beholding the unseen by faith as Moses did.RH May 29, 1913+2 It requires refusing to let temporal worldly business crowd in and make the soul's highest interest secondary, keeping the Word of God in counsel rather than depending on human wisdom, and refusing to serve mammon.Ms 19, 1894, par. 4–5+1 It means not dwelling upon the past and forgetting disagreeable things, but looking at the rich promises of God, and by that looking becoming strong in the strength Christ is ever ready to impart.Ms 19, 1894, par. 4–5+2 It means faithfully and unflinchingly declaring the gospel and pressing forward in conflict clad in the whole armor of God, with cheer and triumph, by fixing the gaze on the reward of the faithful.RH May 29, 1913+2

Keeping the eye fixed upward on the heavenly reward, on lasting unseen realities instead of passing seen things, keeps affliction in perspective and lessens its felt burden.Ms 58, 1900, par. 71–74+4 Even years of self-denial, privation, persecution and suffering are only light and momentary when compared with the eternal weight of glory awaiting Christians when the warfare is over.Ms 58, 1900, par. 71–74+2 The call is not to linger over or magnify trials, which fills the soul with distrust and repining, but to look away from dark and mysterious providences and deprivation to the unseen and eternal with joy, hope and triumph.Ms 58, 1900, par. 71–74+4 When the soul is absorbed in the glorious plan of salvation and considers Christ who was put to grief for sins, bore sorrows and died as a sacrifice to secure that glory, even the heaviest sorrows and trials are counted light.Ms 58, 1900, par. 71–74+2 Pain and hardship are not signs of approaching death or abandonment by God, but trials that can prepare a future reward and should be met with courage, trust, and attention to unseen eternal realities rather than visible temporary ones.8T 125.3+2 Keeping the Saviour in view, with the coming rest in God's kingdom free from temptation and life's warfare in the presence of Christ, strengthens faith, dispels discouragement, and turns the mind from painful past experiences rather than dwelling on them.3T 98.2+3

Strength does not come from staring at the obstacles that block the way but from looking away from self and from seen things that pass away to unseen things that last forever.ST Aug 30, 1905+4 Christ offers the sick and suffering a life that lasts as long as God's own life, without sorrow, burden, care, sickness, pain or trial, and calls them to turn their minds from perishable things to take hold of that eternal life, dwelling on the immeasurable love of the infinite God and leaving a bright path toward heaven for others to follow.Ms 16, 1887, par. 13–15+2 As the body is made up of the food it assimilates, so the mind is shaped by what it dwells on, so dwelling on the disagreeable things of life gives no hope, and the mind should dwell instead on the cheery scenes of heaven, on God's promises, and on Christ and His sufferings.Ms 16, 1887, par. 13–15+3 The sufferer is to talk faith, hope and courage instead of doubts and self-focus, remaining cheerful, free, happy, trustful and of good courage, and staying upon God.Ms 58, 1900, par. 71–74+2 Satan magnifies pain, fear of death and trial to produce distrust, such as fearing pain means speedy death, but his work can be resisted as the enemy's work, and Jesus in tender compassion and almighty strength knows every weakness, pities, helps, works with human effort, and brings the trusting sufferer off more than conqueror.Ms 58, 1900, par. 71–74+2

The Christian life is a real battle and march calling for aggressive warfare, perseverance and endurance as faithful soldiers under powerful adversaries, not excuse from conflict or constant comfort, luxury, ease and self-indulgence.ST Aug 30, 1905+3 This world is the place of trial, warfare and fitting up for a better world, not heaven itself, and believers are preparing for a home where no sadness, affliction or sorrow can come.Lt 62, 1886, par. 12–14+2 Therefore Christians should not shrink from trials and inconvenience, feel their lot hard, or faint under the few trials endured for Christ's sake, but should look up to Jesus the Author of salvation and remember His mockings, suffering, humiliation and death to save the fallen race, keeping their eyes on unseen eternal things rather than seen temporal things.ST Aug 30, 1905+2 Faithful soldiers accept difficult work taxing every power, painful trials endured for Christ's sake, and soul-rending conflicts, and the reward is not for those whose whole life in this world is self-indulgence and pleasure, but for those who endure by looking away from seen temporal things to unseen eternal things.ST Aug 30, 1905+2

The gospel brings beams of light and hope from the eternal world, revealed gradually as people can bear it, enabling attainments beyond conception through God's grace as the Source of wisdom and power.4T 446.1+1

Present trials, even years of self-denial, privation, persecution and suffering, are only light and momentary beside the eternal weight of glory awaiting when the warfare is over, and the afflictions themselves work out that glory.Ms 58, 1900, par. 71–74+2 They are God's workmen ordained for the perfection of Christian character, with the blessed assurance that all things are working for good, and their connection with salvation will be fully seen in the future life.Ms 58, 1900, par. 71–74+2 Present trials, reproofs, lack of appreciation, and suffering for truth's sake develop character through self-denial and suffering, as Paul attained the full moral stature of a man in Christ through continual hardship, conflict and toil, and could though troubled on every side, perplexed and persecuted still call his hardships light beside endless glory.Lt 5, 1880, par. 6–9+1 This requires looking not at seen temporal things but at unseen eternal things, with self sinking into nothingness, Jesus exalted and His manner of working followed, lifting the soul to Him, thinking of His purity, glory and love, keeping the heart uplifted morning, noon and evening, refusing a mere glimmer of light, doubts and cheap common sensual thoughts, talking of His glory with souls full of love, going from strength to strength and glory to glory toward the mark of the high calling, and fighting the good fight of faith until coming off victorious, leading to future praise and thanks for every trial that taught human weakness and Christ's power, patience and love.Lt 5, 1880, par. 6–9+3

Trials, adversity, reproach, crosses, temptations, sorrow and bereavement are God's appointed means to separate chaff from wheat, to test, prove, refine and sanctify believers and fit them for the heavenly garner, for heaven and for life with holy angels and heavenly beings.3T 115.1+3 They expose pride, selfishness, evil passions and love of worldly pleasure, remove flaws, impurities and defects in character, and must be overcome through God's strength and grace so believers escape the corruption in the world through lust and partake of the divine nature.3T 115.1+2 The fire of affliction does not destroy those who look by faith beyond the visible and temporary to the unseen eternal inheritance and immortal life; it purifies them, leaves them bearing God's impress, brings out Christ's image and develops what is precious, with result in praise, honor and glory at Christ's appearing.1T 706.1–2+2 Endured thus, affliction refines rather than destroys, though painful and brief transforming, refining, purifying and ennobling to prepare for heaven.Lt 113, 1898, par. 4–5+1

Borne in meekness, faith, endurance, hope and trust, with happiness, patient endurance and joyful constancy by unseen divine support, suffering refines, purifies, ennobles, transforms and fits for the courts above and for bright immortality and eternal life when Christ who is life appears.Lt 46, 1879, par. 4–5+2 Trials faithfully endured add to the riches of future glory and prepare a recompense of reward, and faithful duty, acts of charity, and words of encouragement and comfort given in Christ's name contribute to that glory and will be recognized before the universe.Lt 39, 1887, par. 11–12+2 Such endurance makes holy the place of suffering and becomes a lesson to others and a powerful testimony for the Christian religion and Saviour, as patient endurance and joyful trust through weakness and suffering testify to faith.Lt 46, 1879, par. 4–5+1 They are therefore to be met with good courage, cheerfulness, freedom, happiness and trust, looking not at temporal seen things but at eternal unseen things, talking faith, hope and courage instead of doubts and self-focus, and staying upon God.Lt 39, 1887, par. 11–12

Even the heaviest sorrows and trials are counted light afflictions when the soul is absorbed in the glorious plan of salvation and Christ is beheld.Ms 58, 1900, par. 71–74+1 He was put to grief for sins, bore human sorrows, was bruised, smitten and mocked yet uncomplaining and unresisting and suffering without murmur, the Monarch of heaven whose throne is from everlasting and whose kingdom has no end, enduring suffering and shame on the cross for the joy set before Him of bringing men eternal life, and He died as sacrifice to secure that exceeding weight of glory.Ms 58, 1900, par. 71–74+2 Beholding Him stops continual repining and complaint that grieves the Spirit, which comes from losing sight of Him.Ms 58, 1900, par. 71–74+1 When the mind is fastened on the cross, the pledge of eternal reward ennobles the whole nature and gives strength and power that lifts the soul above things of time and sense, so temporal concerns are estimated in light shining from the cross and dwelling on unseen things in redemption fills the heart with the Saviour's love and ravishes it with His pure spotless character, a love beyond human language faintly conceived by reviewing His earthly life, infinite sacrifice, the homes prepared for the obedient, and His dying agonies as Prince of glory where God gave His Son, lingering only around the edges of a measureless ocean without bottom or shore, surpassing and eternal in glorious weight.Ms 58, 1900, par. 75–76+1

Pain and fear of death and trial are magnified by Satan to produce distrust and fear, as in fearing pain means speedy death, and to cause murmuring against God and close the understanding to His goodness, mercy, love and coming glory, including trials, discouragements, unappreciated labor, temptations and bodily infirmity.20MR 134.3–4+2 His work can be resisted by looking away from self and visible temporary things to invisible lasting things, talking faith, hope and courage, remaining cheerful, free, happy, trustful and of good courage, staying upon God, committing the soul to Him as faithful Creator, trusting the One who gave His life, looking to Jesus every moment and resting in His love rather than struggling.20MR 134.3–4+2 Jesus in tender compassion and almighty strength knows every weakness, pities, helps, works with human effort, lets His light shine around the sufferer, cares, blesses, strengthens and supports in trial, brings the trusting sufferer off more than conqueror and through to seeing the King in His beauty and receiving an eternal reward purchased at infinite cost, with blessed hope growing stronger as trials increase.20MR 134.3–4+2

The eternal glory is made possible because Christ, the Commander of heaven, laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown and came to earth in human nature.RH Jan 13, 1903+2 He became poor, descended from one humiliation to another, and was uplifted on the cross to draw all to Himself in order to rescue fallen humanity.9T 49.2+2 That humiliation and suffering, giving Himself up to death on the cross, is what makes heavenly treasure and everlasting life available to human beings.RH Jan 13, 1903+2 His self-denial, poverty, temptation and suffering on humanity's behalf procure happiness both in this world and in the world to come for those who follow His teaching and example and live for God through heaven's grace.ST Dec 20, 1905 The hope of that glory calls believers to practice the same self-sacrifice and self-denial, including in how they spend their means and carry forward the work of God.9T 49.2+1

Through His poverty believers are made rich and come into possession of eternal riches, heavenly imperishable treasure and enduring riches.Ms 54, 1905, par. 18+3 Fallen humanity is enabled to unite its humanity to His divinity and to lay hold upon the Infinite.7T 29.1–3+2 The glory is immortality and everlasting life purchased for every son and daughter of Adam who has living, working faith in Jesus Christ, by which rebels against God's law are elevated through faith in His righteousness to become heirs of immortality and partakers of everlasting life.Lt 103, 1894, par. 9–10 It was won by Christ's suffering and death, meeting Satan in the wilderness and in Gethsemane and on the cross, receiving His death wound as the trophy of His victory, and by that victory annihilating Satan's power over every loyal believing subject and throwing open the gates of heavenly Paradise to this fallen world.Lt 103, 1894, par. 9–10 His blood is the pledge of the reward, and through His sacrifice and merits He supplies grace to help people gain it, so that investing in heaven during this life secures a place in the royal family as children of the heavenly King.Lt 107, 1900, par. 15–16 The greatness of this offered glory is sufficient inducement to accept Christ and not strive against the Maker, and indifference to it is shameful, causing angels to weep and hide their faces.Ms 54, 1905, par. 18+1 It calls for arousing from lethargy and using every God-given faculty to work for precious souls for whom Christ died, who if brought to the fold will live through the ceaseless ages of eternity, instead of planning to do as little as possible for their salvation while investing means in the earth like the man with the one talent.5T 271.1

The eternal weight of glory hangs on the cross of Christ as on a central pillar, and life, love, joy, peace and holiness are bound to that cross, under which sin will never revive and error will never rule.AA 560.2+1 It is gained by first learning the meaning of self-sacrifice as the way to the blessing of sanctification, denying self and taking up the cross to follow Christ.AA 560.2+2 Taking it up means bearing it as a crown of glory, revealing love for God by love for fellow men, finding rest of soul through patience in service, and promoting welfare through humble, diligent, faithful toil, with God upholding and strengthening the one willing to follow in Christ's way.AA 560.2 Those who suffer with Christ by resisting sin, laboring for His cause, and denying themselves for others will share in the eternal reward of the righteous, for sacrifices made in this life for others lead to a share with Christ in the life to come.RH Sep 28, 1911

Jesus Himself works as a watchful, earnest, interested worker doing good to work out that glory for sinners.Lt 4, 1888, par. 14 He follows them every day, night and hour with His eye, inviting them to return to His love, loving them long and bearing with all their wanderings and errors.Lt 4, 1888, par. 14 He shapes His providences and blessings and times and tempers chastisements precisely and accurately for their good, ready to pardon and receive them back to His great heart of infinite love even when they have erred and abused His mercies.Lt 4, 1888, par. 14 He holds out surpassing eternal glory as the richest gift they can want, giving it to those who have Him as hope and crown of rejoicing, who with joy and gratitude look to His intercession before His Father's throne, who are rooted and grounded in Him and lay hold of immortal life.Ms 1, 1891, par. 29–31 He does not leave them to fight in their own finite weakness but brings moral power, gives His Holy Spirit to grow them into His likeness so the Father loves them, sends angels to war against Satan, and stands with them in battle even when brought before magistrates and cast into prison with words to speak, as Captain of the Lord's host bridging the gulf sin made and testing obedience.Ms 1, 1891, par. 29–31 Having Christ means having everything, with good pay in His army and assurance of an immortal inheritance and lasting heavenly possession.Lt 29, 1893, par. 8 The debt owed Him for these blessings and constant matchless grace is to be rendered by doing to others as He has done, laying hold with human affection, Christlike gentleness and burning love on souls around who are ready to die and for whom Christ died, being laborers together with God, for He alone can save, He alone knows the strength of temptations assailing souls ready to die, and He alone can teach the sin-pained, sin-wounded soul with divine power, working with human efforts through loving, tender human hearts to bring the soul back from Satan's snare, and a soul thus redeemed and rescued causes joy in heaven in the presence of the angels of God beyond what human imagination can comprehend.Lt 4, 1888, par. 14

The glory to come is substantial, weighty and durable, a fullness of God and measureless knowledge, holiness, dignity, honor, happiness and immortality in His presence, reserved for believers and the final overcomer when Christ comes.Ms 58, 1900, par. 77–79+1 Paul uses the broadest terms human language can supply so finite minds may grasp its reality, yet his strong language is tame and falls short, for human words and even the boldest figures of speech cannot express its superlative excellence.Ms 58, 1900, par. 77–79+1 It is an eternity of bliss with new glories unfolding through the ceaseless ages, beyond what mortal lips can describe or even imagination in its most exalted flight can picture.8T 131.2+1 Its value cannot be calculated, its promised happiness cannot be measured, and it is beyond comparison with any earthly home or happiness; even the fullest human effort to imagine the New Jerusalem reaches only the borders of that glory.Lt 15a, 1871, par. 7+1

It is eternal life that measures with the life of God, an immortal inheritance and imperishable treasure in the land of glory, the richest gift that can be given to mortal man.1T 698.2–3+2 Unlike a perishable human crown that quickly fades, it is an incorruptible crown and everlasting life, the prize awaiting those who run the Christian race and do God's will.ST Nov 16, 1882+2 With it come rest and peace and repose from all trifling and ambition and self-serving, with peace and happiness and joy, and the highest honor which the world can neither give nor take away, found in keeping God's commandments.GW 349.3+1 In the heavenly city there is no sickness, sorrow, pain or death, and losing this lasting riches of heaven, so far greater than earthly life and its perishable treasures, is an immense loss calling for earnest persevering effort.1T 698.2–3

It is enjoyed forever in the presence of Jesus together with the holy angels, a heavenly joy prepared for those who love God, keep His commandments and remain faithful to the end.ExVEGW 54.1+1 The redeemed sit under the tree of life by the river of life with its glorious fruit, see the King in His beauty and the loveliness of the Saviour, and enter the city of God as conquerors with right to eternal glory, not as beggars.LSEGW 67.1–2+2 There they receive a crown from Christ who bought them with a price, then angels and saints take the crowns from their heads and cast them glittering at the feet of Jesus crying Glory, Alleluia, joining in songs of praise and honor to the Lamb with golden harps and rich music, to go no more out forever.EW 56.1+1 It is not received all at once but continually pours into mind and heart wave after wave, for growing knowledge of God brings ever-increasing glory and happiness through the ceaseless ages of eternity, continuing the approach to God through Christ begun in this life.8T 131.2+2

In that surrounding surpassing lasting glory, even the greatest earthly trials become so small beside it that they cannot be told.WLF 14.3–16.1+2 When those who lived through the last trials meet risen gospel preachers who slept in death and are asked what they passed through, their former hardships appear so slight in comparison that they cannot recount them.EW 13.1+2 Those who have suffered most will regard heaven as more than worth the cost, and all praise God because heaven is cheap enough at any cost.EW 13.1+2

The glory is offered to all and might have been had by the lost, an immortal inheritance of immeasurable worth offered through Christ's sacrifice to those He rescues and exalts.2T 40.2+1 Earthly advantages and present enjoyment are paltry beside it, and sacrificing truth and duty for temporal advantage and worldly gain means losing sight of that eternal reward and can cost everlasting life.2T 40.2+1 The wicked despised that glory when offered and put it far away in a life of rebellion, but at the final judgment when they see what they forfeited they recognize how desirable it was.GC88 668.3+2 The lost soul then confesses exchanging peace, happiness and honor for wretchedness, infamy and despair, proving the wages of sin is not noble independence and eternal life but slavery, ruin and death, and proving exclusion from heaven is just.ST Jun 11, 1902

It is a free gift earned by Jesus, not by human righteousness or goodness, received humbly as a free gift and not as something earned even when faithful service from love has benefited others and brought honor to Him.ST Nov 20, 1884+1 It belongs to the one with converted body and soul in harmony with God's laws, daily receiving renovating grace, walking in the path of the overcomer whose title will stand the test of law and who through Christ's righteousness holds claim to the priceless gift of eternal life.20MR 283.2 Yet heaven with its attractions stands before people as an eternal weight of glory that may be lost or gained, and life and character testify which choice has been made.Lt 23, 1873, par. 9–10 It is lost by neglect of duty, by indifference to matters of infinite importance and busyness with minor matters leaving no time to pray, to watch, to search the Scriptures, to prepare for the future life and perfect Christian character, by living to please and enjoy self instead of for the immortal life, and by valuing possessions above it or turning to earthly treasure; whether the crown is bright or dim depends on personal course and sowing.Lt 25, 1880, par. 10+2

It is prepared as a reward for those who love Him, which wealth, jewels, display and luxury cannot buy.ST Jun 25, 1894 Those who love God with all their hearts and their neighbors as themselves will receive the eternal reward and crown of eternal life.ST Jun 25, 1894 Faithful people may be unknown and unacknowledged in this world yet receive an eternal weight of glory and an inheritance greater than earthly riches, in contrast to the hopeless end of God's enemies and those with worldly honor who fail to understand.GW 18.2 Christ gives that eternal weight of glory to all who believe in Him as their personal Saviour.Lt 79, 1900, par. 17–19

The lasting splendor is the prize of the faithful who honor God, stay steadfast in keeping His law, and remain firm in the conflict against sin until victory is won through Christ.CET 207.2+1 It is reserved in heaven for overcomers kept by divine power through faith, for those who meet God's conditions by grace and will see the King in His beauty.ST Sep 9, 1889 Overcoming means firm reliance on God to resist temptation, standing in God-given manhood, lifting the cross daily, turning thought into a higher purer channel, honoring marriage vows, and serving for the uplifting of humanity.Lt 8, 1888, par. 17–18 It is laid hold of by faith as the crown of life, advancing step by step by partaking of the divine nature and being changed from debasement into the Creator's image.Lt 60, 1887, par. 1–3 That advance requires guarding the soul, seeking grace and strength in weakness, humbling the heart day by day, and walking in meekness and lowliness, for without watchfulness one is led step by step into the devil's snare.Lt 60, 1887, par. 1–3 Those who fight manfully against evil and receive Christ become heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ to an immortal inheritance.Ms 78, 1901, par. 27–28

All trials endured here for truth's sake work out that surpassing lasting splendor for the sufferer while the eye rests not on temporary visible things but on eternal unseen things.Lt 1, 1896, par. 4–5 Bearing the cross now and following the self-denying path is better than having every wish gratified here and losing heaven, for eternity is near and at the judgment each will be judged by deeds done in the body.Lt 1, 1896, par. 4–5 Present trials, afflictions and persecutions are brief and light beside the glory to be revealed, calling for reckoning with eternity, living for immortal life with eyes riveted on Christ to become like Him, refusing to let present troubles absorb attention and affection, and working diligently each day as if the last to hear, Well done.Ms 9, 1891, par. 32–34 Outward troubles are momentary and produce incomparably greater everlasting splendor, calling for looking upward to unseen things and valuing what God esteems above worldly honor, since true worth and elevation come only through union with Christ and His imputed righteousness in proportion to alliance with God.Lt 9, 1873, par. 11–12 Sharing in the splendor requires sharing in suffering, gained by looking not at temporary seen things but at eternal unseen things.Lt 150, 1903, par. 31 That glory gained through faithfulness outweighs every earthly pleasure and makes suffering for truth, self-denial and giving up every idol worth the cost.1T 126.2 Those who turn from earthly pleasures and choose to suffer with God's people rather than enjoy sin briefly will receive an unfading crown of immortality.2T 100.1

Moses counted his own trials and sacrifices small and light beside the sufferings of the Son of God and the glory that follows, so that even a small share in those sufferings was cause for rejoicing.PP 475.2–3 The same reward is shared with Abraham by all of his faith who at Providence's call renounce cherished plans, familiar associations, careers promising wealth and honor, and a life of ease.PP 126.4 They accept new duties and enter untried fields to do God's work with firm willing heart, enduring self-denial, hardship and sacrifice and counting earthly loss as gain, beside which present suffering is not worthy to be compared.PP 126.4 The disciples' temporary suffering in gospel service is likewise joined to fellowship in those sufferings and labor to bring many to salvation, with joy and lasting splendor awaiting them.GC88 349.1–350.1+1 That hope made sacrifice and even martyrdom worthwhile.GC 349.2–350.1

The reward of the faithful worker who labors with Christ to build His kingdom by lifting up Jesus and calling sinners to repentance is nothing less than that lasting splendor.Ms 21, 1887, par. 3 That soul-saving work of going forth weeping bearing precious seed and returning with sheaves is the greatest work given to mortals, paying better than money or earthly gold, with God's blessing resting on the worker even now, and its fullness never exhausted because eternity keeps opening new treasures for the saints.Ms 21, 1887, par. 3 Every day and hour matters for laying up treasure in heaven and securing that glory.Ms 2, 1868, par. 47–48 The self-denial in cultivating character and doing Christ's work is outweighed by the reward and joys of life with God, for those who wisely use abilities in good works and sow truth will reap in the world to come where work reaches completion.ST Jan 16, 1879 Faithful service from love and desire to glorify God brings that glory, received humbly as a free gift rather than as earned, though it has benefited others and honored Jesus.ST Nov 20, 1884 Anxious hours, difficult circumstances and sorrows in winning souls work toward the same end, and those who see the saved as monuments of mercy and redeeming love rejoice that labor has borne fruit.SW 90.1+1

The coming lasting splendor stands in full view as the heavenly prize, and as ancient athletes endured painful self-denial and strain for a paltry earthly prize, those with gospel hope must enter the contest with greater enthusiasm, anxiety and strong effort rather than feeble effort.Lt 43, 1904, par. 6–7 Securing it requires taxing every spiritual muscle, and when weakening, lifting the eyes to the prize gives fresh animation to gather strength and press forward with renewed intensity.Lt 43, 1904, par. 6–7 It awaits those who remain rich toward God and secure eternal life, outweighing present earthly concerns.5T 351.1 Its immeasurable worth above any earthly prize should move Christians to self-denial and temperance, controlling appetite and passion and persevering in the race, for worldly honors fade while this glory and its riches endure.2T 46.1–3+1 It is a crown of life, an incorruptible prize gained only by entering the conflict and continuing faithful to the end, willingly enduring inconvenience, painful training, thorough temperance and severest discipline.Lt 92, 1887, par. 8–10 That means self-denial and self-sacrifice, obeying every injunction of God's Word, studying the Lord's rules and complying with the conditions, strictly guarding word, thought and action, and straining every nerve to run lawfully, keeping the prize surveyed, admired and longed for until no effort seems severe, with thoughts on heaven and the immortal inheritance, eyes fixed on Jesus, meditating, praying and believing with all the heart and pressing on with patience.Lt 92, 1887, par. 8–10 Overcoming temptation and selfish traits and persevering through difficulty prepares character for immortal life, for the present life is not the end but the time to build fitness for eternity.Lt 64, 1886, par. 9–10

Believers may receive no earthly prosperity or possessions but look forward to immortal life, for like Abraham they are pilgrims and strangers seeking the city God will establish and the purified earth as home.10MR 120.2+1 The glory awaiting the overcomer outweighs any present cost of obedience, giving courage to choose truth and keep the Sabbath rather than secure livelihood by breaking God's commandments, valuing the reward like Moses, taking a decided stand, walking by faith and accepting help through trial.Ms 26, 1886, par. 20–21 The same precious hope that gladdened Abraham brings joy to his children as each stands by faith happy in hope seeking a better heavenly country, discerning the overcomer's reward by faith.Lt 103, 1893, par. 6

The apparently weak soul who with contrite trusting spirit takes God at His word and with a sense of unworthiness asks for help will be given grace to win victory after victory and will gain that lasting splendor in the future life.Ms 116, 1905, par. 18–21

The promise forbids lingering over trials, magnifying them, or murmuring and fretting over the slightest interference with will and pleasure, since that fills the soul with distrust and repining and grieves the Spirit.Ms 58, 1900, par. 69–70+1 Even heavy trials endured for truth, including years of self-denial, privation, persecution and suffering, are light and momentary beside the eternal weight of glory they work out when the warfare is over.Ms 58, 1900, par. 69–70+3 Afflictions themselves are God's workmen ordained for perfection of character, with the assurance that all things work for good, so believers are to look away from dark providences and deprivation to the unseen and eternal, fixing the eye upward on the heavenly reward with joy, hope and triumph.Ms 58, 1900, par. 71–74+2 The same call holds under irritating petty annoyances of everyday life, pain and fear of death which the enemy magnifies to produce distrust, and unappreciated labor; they are to be borne with patience without breaking fellowship with God, by looking away from self and visible temporary things to invisible lasting things, talking faith, hope and courage, and remaining cheerful, trustful and of good courage.ST Feb 12, 1885+1 Careless indifference that lives and works for self and its honor leaves the soul to be beguiled by visions of ease, selfish pleasure, profit and power, while serious use of reasoning powers refuses idle thoughts that cannot enter the life to come.Ms 58, 1900, par. 69–70+1

As the body is made of food assimilated, so the mind is shaped by what it dwells on, and dwelling on disagreeable things gives no hope.Ms 7, 1888, par. 13 The way forward is not dwelling on the painful past but forgetting disagreeable things, looking at the rich promises of God, dwelling on the cheery scenes of heaven, and thereby becoming strong in strength Christ is ever ready to impart.Ms 7, 1888, par. 13+1 Present trials, sorrows, disappointments and afflictions are forgotten in considering the eternal weight of glory, and thinking of the unseen hope of heaven helps lose the sense of present pain.Ms 84, 1886, par. 7+1 The glory of heaven eclipses earth's attraction, so the mind is not to be occupied with earthly things but bent heavenward toward the city whose builder and maker is God, with one object in view and one crown to gain, putting all reasoning powers to work.Ms 84, 1886, par. 7 Gaining heaven is gaining everything and losing it is losing everything.Lt 8, 1886, par. 5–6

In failing strength, deep trial, restless nights, painful wearisome days, sorrow, disappointment and even dying, pain is not a sign of abandonment or approaching death to be met with despair, but light temporary affliction working a transforming good when borne with patience.Lt 7, 1885, par. 17–18+2 Borne in meekness, faith, endurance, hope and trust, with happiness, patient endurance and joyful constancy by unseen divine support, suffering refines, purifies, ennobles, hallows the place of suffering, fits for the courts above and bright immortality when Christ who is life appears, and becomes a lesson and powerful testimony for the Saviour.Lt 46, 1879, par. 4–5+2 Heavenly messengers strengthen believers in hardship, and Jesus as Substitute and Surety values the soul as His own property, pities with tender sympathy, lets light shine around the sufferer, blesses, supports, fights and brings through, whether in life or death, to seeing the King in His beauty and receiving the reward purchased at infinite cost.Ms 43, 1886, par. 12–13+2 The sufferer is therefore to commit the soul to God as faithful Creator, show trust in the One who gave His life, look to Jesus every moment, rest in His love rather than struggle, meet hardship with courage and attention to unseen eternal realities, keep moving forward with eye fixed on the future immortal inheritance without staring at obstacles, turn from perishable things to take hold of life that measures with God's life without sorrow, burden, care, sickness, pain or trial, dwell on the immeasurable love of the infinite God, and leave a bright path for others.Lt 7, 1885, par. 17–18+2 Bodily affliction may thus serve the soul's salvation, teaching faith, submission and moral discipline on life's battlefield while striving for the immortal crown.Lt 121, 1890, par. 3–4

Financial perplexities, lack of money and dark clouds of work are small passing clouds beside the light and glory beyond, and keeping eternal realities in view gives life and vigor for faithful service, outweighing lesser concerns while every faculty and moment is used in God's service.Ms 65, 1898, par. 15+1 Instead of gazing at the clouds until there is time for nothing else, faith reaches through darkness to that glory, refuses worry, does all that can be done, and trusts God to care for temporal affairs and send money when He sees best.Ms 102, 1901, par. 17

The promise sustains deliberate cross-bearing rather than waiting for truth to become popular, accepting affliction, inconvenience and reproach for following truth as light and temporary beside the far greater eternal glory.GW92 468.1+2 Persecution for righteousness is light affliction for a moment working eternal glory, so suffering for Christ is no cause for despair; when Satan tortures, kills the body and imprisons, the steadfast in dying become conquerors and reveal One mightier than Satan, for he cannot touch the life hidden with Christ in God nor bind the spirit, and they look beyond gloom to glory.GW92 468.1 Persecutions and severe trials come for truth's sake because the world is wicked and God's law is not kept, and they must be met without retaliation and without yielding one article of faith, for God is proving His people, angels watch over sufferers for truth, and the gospel gives inherent independent power that will not yield to circumstances.Lt 19, 1893, par. 19–21 The call is to keep the Lord's way and follow duty as Abraham did, making God's supreme will our will, pressing heavenward with feet set toward glory, trusting God most fully when the heavens are as brass, looking not at seen things but with eyes fastened on the unseen and eternal, depending on God against supernatural powers and thereby gaining strength, vigor of soul and broken power of earth over mind and character, spreading necessities before God when discouragement threatens, praying urgently for strength to endure and obey and receiving increased faith from the Source of power, knowing Jesus has gone before over the rough path and beaten down difficulties.AA 363.1+1 So believers press valiantly toward the kingdom with Eden before and wilderness behind.AA 363.1

God's promises draw back eternity to give a glimpse of immense everlasting glory for those who love Him, awakening hope and expectation, leading to firm faith, strengthening in trouble, teaching quiet trust, calming the heart to praise Him for revealing His will, refusing to build hopes in this life, keeping the eye upward to the bright inheritance, and sensing Jesus' amazing love in nature and His unfailing Word.Lt 91, 1887, par. 7 Taking eternity into reckoning means living for the future immortal life with eyes riveted on Christ so as to become like Him, refusing to let present afflictions absorb attention, life and affections, valuing what God esteems above worldly honor, finding true worth and elevation only through union with Christ and His imputed righteousness, and working diligently each day as though it were the last in order to hear, Well done, good and faithful servant.Ms 9, 1891, par. 32–34+1 When the soul accepts truth and sees the surpassing worth of everlasting life, love for earthly visible things is driven out, the grip on earth loosens, the eye fastens on coming glories charmed by the unseen and imperishable, and trials are counted slight and short because they bring that greater glory.Lt 97, 1895, par. 66–68 That clearer view by faith, even when obstacles remain and darkness gathers, makes conflicts and uncertainties small beside unseen things, strengthens assurance and hope by the Mighty One, brings shining faces with borrowed heavenly glory in confession that the Lord God omnipotent reigns, and calls for personal attention to eternal interests with humility before God.Lt 52, 1908, par. 13+1

The verse is given to strengthen those weighed down by confusion and opposition and tempted to doubt God's power, to keep them from doubting and resisting His working, to correct error and confirm true experience.SG2 59.1–2 It calls for deeper grace in the heart and decided consecration to Jesus, and preached with the Spirit resting on speaker and hearers it melts hearts, moves nearly all to respond, brings earnest prayer and divine power and blessing never before experienced.Ms 51, 1890, par. 26–28 Testimony attended by the Spirit lifts minds from earth to Jesus and heaven and that glory, vindicating God's law and holding up Jesus in beauty, purity and loveliness, without attacking opposers or answering falsehoods, setting Jesus and heaven over against earth and earthly things.Lt 12, 1869, par. 26

Earthly riches trusted for security are phantoms mistaken for realities, counterfeit shadows beside true enduring substance above, and the weight of glory is the eternal reality seen when looking beyond the present.STB 678.4+1 It is imperishable treasure, riches enduring as eternity in the land of glory, the heavenly treasure of dwelling forever with God among the redeemed whose purity, loveliness and unsurpassed glory eclipses all earthly happiness and makes hoarded riches appear small, meager and mere dross.20MR 89.7–90.1+1 It is gained by following Christ on the narrow path of self-denial and sacrifice, pressing on and surmounting every obstacle while lifting the cross that lifts its bearer, cheerfully returning lent treasures to God and sacrificing for Jesus who sacrificed much and for fellow men, counting no sacrifice too dear, with earth fading and heaven magnified while leaning tremblingly on God's strong promises.20MR 89.7–90.1+1 Its value far exceeds the cost of self-denial, hardship and sacrifice, so suffering for it is no ground for complaint, especially since Christ endured far greater suffering for sinners, and connection with Heaven and the Saviour is to be valued above earthly pleasures with striving for the crown and share in heaven's triumph.ST Feb 14, 1878+1 Those who hug this world and harden their hearts lose crowns laid up for them to others who fill their places.SG2 267.1–2 Keeping this glory in view leaves no time for supremacy, envy or evil surmising but produces love, removes the mote obscuring vision so it can be beheld, extends view beyond the present by adding eternity, belongs to faithful workers following God's Word in heaven's peace, and calls to seek first God's kingdom and lay up treasure in heaven.Ms 55, 1897, par. 2+1