Do Something About It

2 Corinthians 5:4 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 (ESV)

    This verse in a sense builds upon verse three, being that it is in direct relation to our natural desire to be unclothed. We have tried to fill this desire by revealing our bodies for the world to see, and yet somehow we are more empty in this state of nakedness. Corruption has defiled the natural beauty of Gods creation, so now we seek to cover up what is mortal. We cover what is mortal with the things the world has to offer. Thinking that maybe the next thing we clothe ourselves with will be what allows us to escape the reality of our decaying flesh. Yet one thing remains, although our clothing may change, although we may enhance our fleshly bodies, beneath it all is still a rotting flesh doomed to return to dust. “For you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Gen 3:19).
    We try and escape the reality of the mortality of man through an emotional high. But no man has the power to overcome death, for only one has this power. Christ will destroy “every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Cor. 15:24-26). The only way to escape this reality is through Jesus Christ and His resurrection. “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Cor 15:22). Even then we choose we toil for the impossible. All is in vain out side of Jesus Christ. For even if you are currently living, your living for death. If your living your best life now, I pray for you, because let me tell you, we live in a lost world. To live everyday like its your last only has meaning if your living it for Christ. To make an impact for the kingdom of God, clothe yourself with eternal life and then you will be like the Apostle Paul, who “learned in whatever situation I am to be content.”
    Paul’s contentment though did not mean that he was not still groaning for immortality. For he says, “My desire is to depart and to be with Christ, for that is far better off” (Philippians 1:23). Although Paul groaned because he knew where he was going, he knew that once he left this earthly body he would be in heavenly dwelling. We also see though, he understood that because of where he long to go, that meant he had a reason to spend his God given time on earth. “But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith” (Philippians 1:24-25). Paul has clothed himself in the interest of others. The only true meaning of an eternal joy. What can be more eternal then a soul spent in the presence of Christ. So we groan for a life outside of our mortal bodies, but we grow content through the hope a heavenly dwelling.

Application:
I know my flesh is reigning in my life. Today I will spend 30 minutes devoted to talking with God in prayer.