Quiet Fire Devotional | The Offense of Eternity In A Now Centered Culture

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”— Colossians 3:2, ESV

“ For the present form of this world is passing away.”— 1 Corinthians 7:31, ESV

1. The Gospel Offends the Urgency of Now

Christianity will always be controversial—because it pushes against the grain of human self-interest. It contradicts the mindset that says:

• “This life is everything.”

• “What you own defines you.”

• “Success is measured in the moment.”

• “If you miss your shot now, you’ll miss it forever.”

But the Gospel doesn’t appeal to the immediate. It demands surrender to the eternal.

“What is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” — 2 Corinthians 4:18, ESV

That message doesn't flatter the modern soul—it confronts it.

2. This World Trains Us to Worship the Temporary

We are constantly discipled by a world that preaches:

• Immediate gratification

• Self-optimization

• Fleeting relevance

• Legacy without Lordship

But Scripture exposes that system as an illusion.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world... the world is passing away along with its desires.” — 1 John 2:15–17, ESV

Christianity is not about maximizing this life. It’s about preparing for the next—and that makes it disruptive.

3. The Truth Is Controversial Because It’s Costly

Jesus said,

“If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily...” — Luke 9:23, ESV

That’s not a soft invitation. It’s a death sentence to self-idolatry, worldly validation, and short-term reward.

People reject the Gospel not just because it’s unbelievable—but because it’s uncomfortable.

It dethrones the self. It confronts time-bound ambition. It replaces "right now" with "forever matters more."

4. A Mind Fixed on Eternity Looks Like Rebellion to the World

When you prioritize holiness over hustle…When you choose patience over platform…When you live as if heaven is real and Christ is returning…

The world may label you:

• Delusional

• Irrelevant

• Judgy

• Weak

But this has always been the case.

“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God... they are folly to him.” — 1 Corinthians 2:14, ESV

The Gospel will never be comfortable for a culture addicted to now.

Closing Reflection

What lies are shaping your daily priorities? Have you quietly absorbed the belief that “right now” is all there really is? Does your lifestyle declare eternity—or accommodate the temporary?

Christianity will always clash with the world—because it calls you to a kingdom not built on time, but on truth.

Let eternity shape your decisions today.