Gut Check
“Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.” – 2 Corinthians 5:1-4
I struggle with passages that speak of this type of tension: the shift from being centered in this world to centered in the next.
Well, maybe it’s more accurate to admit I struggle more with operating from the right kind of mindset. I realize it’s a rhythm, a balance and discipline that takes time, patience and a whole lot of grace, but I have a lot to learn. I love the passion, though, with which Paul writes to the church in Corinth. He’s not offering this type of perspective as a possibility or an option. He’s writing as if… because… it’s the reality for those who follow Jesus — like it or not. Live it or not.
We have a tent. We have a house. It’s not tough to figure out which one is better… and in which one we should want to live.
“Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.” – 2 Corinthians 5:6-9
I think I’m too easily satisfied with the reality around me. Instead of dreaming, meditating and savoring the joy of eternity, I settle for things that, though they make me happy, were never meant to be the full delight of my soul.
In a way, it’s like settling for a Value Meal when you’re in the car, on the way, to the Feast of Feasts.
