For we know that if our temporary, earthly dwelling is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal dwelling in the heavens, not made with hands. Indeed, we groan in this body, desiring to put on our dwelling from heaven, since, when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. Indeed, we groan while we are in this tent, burdened as we are, because we do not want to be unclothed but clothed, so that mortality may be swallowed up by life. And the One who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment. (2 Corinthians 5:1-5 — Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Few of us would enjoy living in a tent for any length of time. It might be okay for a couple days during a camping trip, but living in a tent on a permanent basis is not something any of us would choose. But that’s exactly what this passage says we are doing, living in a tent. This life is temporary — our future life in heaven will be a permanent building made with His own hands. This is an extremely important concept for anyone who believes in God. We cannot value this life, its possessions, and its pleasures more than we value faith in God and our salvation. We should be so focused on our future with God that we groan, longing to be freed from this life to enjoy our future with Him. This passage goes so far as to compare this life to being naked… being unclothed. We long for this life to be swallowed by the real life of heaven.
People prepare for the future. They invest in houses and savings, and get ready for retirement. But not very many people are preparing for heaven. "Am I ready to meet the Lord Jesus?" is a much more important question than, "Do I have a good retirement plan?" People put money into Social Security, 401K’s, and other retirement plans, but few people store up treasures in heaven.
I want to be ready when Jesus comes back. How about you? I want to put Him first and help others to do the same. I don't care about retiring in Florida or Arizona; I want to spend eternity in heaven.
No comments:
Post a Comment