2 Corinthians 5:1-9 NLT
Living with Eternity in Mind
2 Corinthians 5:1-9 (NLT)
1 For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for God, not by human hands.
2 We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long for the day when we will put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing.
3 But until then, we will be clothed with the heavenly body, and we will not be naked.
4 These tents in which we live are worn out, but they will be replaced with eternal bodies that will never wear out.
5 God himself has prepared us for this, and he has given us the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of what is to come.
6 So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies, we are not at home with the Lord.
7 For we live by believing and not by seeing.
8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.
9 So our aim is to please him always in everything we do, whether we are here in this body or away from this body, whether we are alive or dead.
Living with Eternity in Mind
In this passage, Paul reminds us that as believers, we should live with eternity in mind. Our current bodies are temporary and will one day be replaced with eternal bodies that will never wear out. This earthly body is like a tent that we live in, but it is fragile and will eventually be taken down.
However, God has prepared us for what is to come and has given us the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our eternal future. This gives us confidence, even in the face of death, that we will one day be at home with the Lord.
The Focus of Our Lives
Paul highlights the importance of living by faith, not by sight. We may not see our eternal future with our physical eyes, but we believe in it and live our lives accordingly. Our aim should be to please God in everything we do, whether we are in this body or away from it, whether we are alive or dead.
Application
As we reflect on this passage, let us remember to live with eternity in mind. Let us not be too attached to our temporary bodies and the things of this world. Instead, let us focus on pleasing God and living according to his will.
Let us also be encouraged by the promise of eternal life and the guarantee of the Holy Spirit. May this give us confidence and hope as we face the challenges of life, knowing that we will one day be at home with the Lord.
