How we view our body will determine how we will live. Yesterday we noted how even in the fragileness of the flesh our body can be used as an instrument of righteousness in serving God’s purposes for having given us life. Today, let us consider another description of the body and how that reality is reflected in our manner of living.
It has been said, “My body is the vessel I get to experience my life in.” Though this may have been stated in relation to physical self-image, do we understand its greater significance spiritually? We are presently experiencing life in a vessel of the flesh. However, we are to do so with the understanding there is something more permanent and eternal yet to come.
Writing to Christians at Corinth Paul described. . .
“(1) For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (2) For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, (3) if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. (4) For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened — not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. (5) He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” (2 Corinthians 5:1-5 ESV)
This body serves as a temporary tent for our present journey in this earthly realm. It is not our permanent home and our body is not our soul’s permanent dwelling. Therefore, the way we live our life is to reflect that reality. Though taking care of the physical body has its value, it is godliness associated with our life that relates to both the present and that which is yet to come. (1 Timothy 4:8) As we find meaning in living life according to God’s purposes presently — as we seek to glorify Him with the life we have been given — may we not be discouraged by the groaning of the temporary as we trust in the grander eternal existence we are being drawn toward!
Have a great day LIVING PRESENTLY FOR WHAT GOD HAS PREPARED US!
Carl
