Trouble "Lite"

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.--2 Corinthians 4:17

The word "Lite" depicts something that is simple, practical, or improved. Commonly, marketers have attached the word LITE to products that are more economincal, less fattening, or easier to use. This is seen in various lines of diet foods; such as, yogurt, snacks, and various cold beverages. Also, Nintendo released a DS Lite, which is a slimmer, brighter, and more lightweight redesign of their gaming system. Closely related to this, computer companies offer "Lite versions," which are basic, no-frill offerings of software.

Of course, "Lite" is a creative misspelling of 'light," which, in reference to weight, refers to something that is not heavy. So, for Paul to refer to his afflictions as "light" seems as a mega-understatement. Just read II Corinthians 11:22-33 for a list of all Paul suffered as he preached the Gospel.

Paul was a spiritual giant. However, in his letters he frequently referred to his weaknesses. Once he said, "When I am weak, then, I am strong." He trusted in the strength of God, which was manifested in Jesus Christ."

The key to Paul's spiritual strength was faith in God, which led him to have a divine perspective on his circumstances. Just before his reference to his "light affliction," he wrote, "Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day." Paul did not focus on the external, but he took note of the internal strength God faithfully provided.

So, Paul discounted the external, valued the internal, and hoped for the eternal.

I'm not there yet, but I pray that today I will focus more on what is not seen than what is seen.