2 Corinthians 5:2 Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling.

Paul was older when he wrote this, because he was definitely tired of his physical body. Verse eight makes that explicitly clear, particularly when coupled with this verse. As I commented recently, I wouldn’t want to live forever in this body! Since his martyrdom was by the relatively quick and easy method of beheading, I think Paul was actually somewhat relieved when the time came around! Paul had no doubts about the eternal life he had received, so temporal things, including his physical body, held much less importance for him. We could all benefit from that attitude. We get all caught up in things that certainly won’t last forever, and probably won’t last very long at all. Our value systems tend to be based on the physical world, since that is all we know, but when by faith we lift our eyes to the eternal, everything changes. Virtually every Christian, and even many non-Christians, “believe” they have eternal life, but their actions and attitudes make that “faith” doubtful. Faith is far more than glib words. That’s a major reason the Lord allows things in our lives that test our faith. An untested faith isn’t very deep!

At this point I am enjoying life, for the most part, but I am certainly looking forward to the next chapter, when all of the temporal considerations will be taken away. Meanwhile, I am to make full use of however much time I am given, as a good steward of my body and everything else, so that my Creator and Lord may be pleased with me. I well remember my response when each of my parents graduated from this life, and that gives me very little anxiety about my own graduation. I would prefer that it be more like my father than my mother, but that is of very little importance. My focus now is to be on my Lord, seeking what He has for me to do and doing it with all that He has provided. I see indications of things that He might be planning that give me anticipation, but that is His business. Meanwhile, I am to be His agent in relating to all the people around me, blessing them and drawing them to Him, for His glory.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Help me never grow weary of doing good, (Galatians 6:9) but rather rejoice in the privilege of walking this world with You, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!