2 Corinthians 5: 1-10

"So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it."

This morning, I read from 2 Corinthians, where Paul talks about our earthly home and our eternal home. If I am living in this earthly tent...my body, this world, I should always be in anticipation of my heavenly dwelling place that God has promised me because I have chosen to live my life for Christ Jesus. 

It's not easy to live in this abode...in my own body and on this earth. Well, I take that back...I should say that actually, it is easy. Even though I long for my heavenly body and heavenly dwelling place, I must confess that it's a pretty comfortable existence right now. Life is pretty good. I have a great husband, a nice home. Family. Friends. A job in ministry. I'm well fed, well read. I have more than I could ever need, and I can get more of what I want where all of that came from.

So does God  want us to suffer in our earthly dwelling? Does it have to be all sacrificial? Can't I enjoy life and the things of this earth?

Of course. Of Course!!! He who created us and knows all of the things that make us who we are and what thrills us and gives us joy, and He is the creator of all of those things that we can enjoy. I think the thing to keep in mind is that while God gives me this life here, He wants me to be mindful at all times of the source of joy, and the provider of this comfort. To remember that this life isn't all there is, and so I shouldn't get too attached to it.  But in all things...to keep  GOD  before me, behind me, and beside me...in great anticipation of  the day when I will meet Him face to face, and to long for eternity, even as I live in this body on earth.