August 4, 2010
2 Corinthians 5
Pastor Jason Yon
Don’t get too comfortable “at home”
As I read 2 Corinthians 5, one verse really pressed me, along with the chapter’s theme: "Therefore 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)
While it’s certainly true that Earth is not our home (since our true home is in heaven with the Lord), the part that really struck me is that if we are “at home” in our body here…we are away from the Lord. It would seem to me that “at home” might also translate as “comfortable.”
Especially within our fairly affluent community, we can become very comfortable with our lives. You might have a beautiful family, nice house on the lake, a couple of nice cars, an exciting boat or Jet Ski and a comfortable salary. Life’s pretty good, huh? Well, this verse advises, “don’t get used to it!” That’s not a threat, but a suggestion.
The Lord wants us to long for our heavenly dwelling and being close to Him, not living comfortably here. He wants us to have such a passionate relationship with Him on Earth that we are longing to get out of this body to be with Him in heaven.
As Christians, we should not be afraid of death. I understand that when we die, we will leave loved ones behind. Yet when believers in Christ die, we should be so excited for them, rather than sad or even depressed. They are in a much better place - a place where we should all be longing to join them.
So, let’s change things up a bit. Not to the point of complaining, but let’s be uncomfortable in this body and this life. Let’s long to be in the presence of the Lord…in our heavenly dwelling.
The Apostle Paul is Pastor Jason’s favorite Bible character, since “after his personal encounter with God, he was sold out to God and His plan for his life.”
