Read 2 Corinthians 5:1–10
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 KJV). 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?