Read 2 Corinthians 5:1–10

Today’s Scripture:We are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:6

The people of God can be found in one of two places: either in heaven or on earth (Eph. 3:15). Believers on earth are “at home in the body” (v. 6), while believers who have died are “absent from the body” (2 Cor. 5:8).

Believers on earth are “absent from the Lord” (v. 6 KJV), while believers in

heaven are “present with the Lord” (v. 8 KJV).

Because he had this knowledge, Paul was not afraid of suffering and

trials. He was willing to “lose his life” for the sake of Christ. Heaven was

not simply a destination for Paul: It was a motivation. Like the heroes of

faith in Hebrews 11, he looked for the heavenly city (vv. 13–16) and

governed his life by eternal values.

Paul had a valuable treasure in the earthen vessel of his body, and he

wanted to share that treasure with a bankrupt world. He had a confident

faith that conquered fear, and he had a future hope. No wonder Paul was

more than a conqueror (Rom. 8:37)! Every believer in Jesus Christ has

these same marvelous possessions and can find through them courage for the conflict.

Something to Ponder

How could heaven become more of a motivation for you, and not just a

destination?