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 will be swallowed up in life.--2 Corinthians 5:4
This body will not last. It does not house my life. My life comes from God.
In fact, my body ties me to sin.
God has redeemed my soul. He lives in me. So my body, which is still corrupt, still dying, exists as a constant opponent to what lasts forever--my Life, my God.
Because my body does not bring me real life, I walk day after day in uneasy communion, frustration, and war. Until God redeems and restores my physical body as He has done for my soul, I will continue to do this.
My body is mortal--belonging to death. God is Life.
The Spirit of God lives in me and, as such, glorifies God. It can do nothing else. While I yet live in a body, my job is to remember that His Spirit can and must overcome my body. His Spirit is stronger because it came from Him and what life I have comes from that Spirit.
While I live, body and Spirit war constantly, but the Spirit conquers whatever indulgence I am tempted to grant the body. This is the root and purpose of self-control. I train my body, which dwindles to eventual dust, to obey my Spirit, which lives forever.
So I still brush my teeth, and try to stay fit, but remember that I cannot become more beautiful or more comfortable. I will become less so the longer I live. Not only will my body continue to decline, but as my Spirit becomes stronger, the tension between them will continue to build. The war between them doesn't end while I live, but escalates as my body demands more and my Spirit grows in God.
We groan inwardly as we wait for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Who hopes for what he already has?...If we hope for what we do not have, we wait for it patiently.--Romans 8:23-25
wow- this was encouraging and challenging to this 60+ reader! I like the scripture that says : these light afflictions are BUT FOR A MOMENTA but are working for us AN EXCEEDING WEIGHT OF GLORY. That's how I cope with the aging process- but you have given me new ammunition- thanks! The fact that our spirits grow stronger as our bodies wear out-is a great comfort !!
ReplyDeleteMarygems--I'm 60+ too, and it gives the "exceeding weight of glory" a whole new meaning, doesn't it? Those aches and pains I can bear.
DeleteI just returned from a bike ride in which I was reminded of my own mortality. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's so easy for me to get all wrapped up in my body and what it can and cannot do. Thanks for this redirection today.
I'm mid-60s... and struggling, not with body aches and pains much, but mental/brain issues that the drs haven't figured out, yet. But increasing and increasing over the past couple years... plus some other side effects. SO... the goal is to focus on the Lord, hear His voice and His instructions, and OBEY. Do I want to be finished with the struggling that no one would ever have thought I'm dealing with? YES! But, if nothing else, I will be with Him, both here on earth and for eternity. Leaving this "tent" behind won't be a bad deal.
ReplyDeleteNice sharing...
Agreed. Not holding on too tightly to my tent anymore, either. But having His company in the interim...priceless!
DeleteI totally agree.
ReplyDeleteThe older I get and the more physical problems I have the more I look forward to that new body. No matter how well we care for this earthly body, it is wasting away and will soon be gone.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte