We care for our body with proper rest, exercise and
nutrition, but we do not live for our body. It exists to encase our soul and
spirit (1 Corinthians 9:27). One day
we will fold up our human body like a tent and go to be with the Lord in the
house, which He went to Heaven to prepare for us (2 Corinthians 5:1-4; John
14:2-3).
When our body dies, we put it in the ground, or we cremate
it and scatter it to the wind; but our soul and spirit continue to live on into
eternity. Our eternal destination is determined by the choices we make while
living on this earth. God loves everyone in the world and does not condemn
anyone to hell; but those who choose not to accept Christ as their Savior will
spend eternity there (John 3:16-18).
As an authentic Christian, our identity during our lifetime
is found in Christ alone. We even see Christ in one another when He replaces
our human character and nature (2 Corinthians 5:16; 2 Peter 1:4). We are not drawn to the person with fancy clothes,
a handsome personal appearance or worldly assets, but to one with a meek and
gentle spirit, which exudes the love of Christ (1 Peter 3:4; 1 Corinthians
13:13).
For the person who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ as his
or her Savior and who repents of their sin, we are present with the Lord at the
exact moment that our soul and spirit leave our body at death (2
Corinthians 5:8). When we see Jesus, our body will rise from the grave and
be reunited with our soul and spirit as an immortal body. We will be just like
Jesus after His resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; 1 John 3:2).
Prayer:
Father God, teach us to de-emphasize our physical
characteristics and possessions and to focus on the Christ in each of us. Teach
us to choose friends who will spur us on to love and good works, rather than
those who encourage us to partake in the works of the flesh (Hebrews
10:24-25; Galatians 5:19-21). Remind us that we will reap the choices, which we
sow during our lifetime, whether good or bad. Draw those we love to Your heart,
and help them to repent and to choose to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, so
that they will not spend eternity in the lake of fire (Revelation
20:15; Luke 16:24-26).
Thought for the Day:
As selfishness, pride and flesh decrease in us, God can
fill us through all of our being with all of His fullness.
- John 3:30; Ephesians 3:19
