2 Corinthians 5:6-10

2 Corinthians 5:6-10

Therefore while being courageous at all times and having known that while being at home in the body we are absent from the Lord.  For we live by faith, not by sight.  And we are courageous and we would rather choose to be absent out of the body and be at home with the Lord.  And therefore we aspire – whether we are at home or we are absent – to be pleasing to Him.  For it is necessary for all of us to appear before the judgment seat of Christ in order that everyone should get back the things through the body from which they did – whether good or evil.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

We live by faith, not by sight.  Paul is telling us that we live by listening to God and being obedient to Him, not because we know the clear path and we make our own destiny.  We don’t often know what God is up to.  We don’t often know where exactly God is leading us.  So we live by faith.  We live seeking and searching for God, knowing that He will be faithful to us.

When do you live by faith?  When do you live by sight?  How can you maximize the time you live by faith and minimize the time you live by sight?

Second Thought:

As we heard yesterday, Paul continues to talk about desiring to be with the Lord in spite of still being alive as he writes this letter.  But Paul doesn’t get caught up in his desire to be present with Christ.  Instead, Paul remembers that it is better to focus instead on pleasing God.  I may desire to be with Christ, but until I am with Christ it is up to me to please God and seek His will.

How do you please God?  How do you live out His calling for you in your life?

Third Thought:

It is necessary for us to appear before the judgment seat of Christ.  Paul says it is necessary.  We will all be there.  Our lives will all be weighed and judged.  Everyone will receive according to what that person has done.  Whether for good or for evil, we will get back from God those things that we spent time sowing in this life.

What will you get back from God?  Where do you sow good?  Where do you sow evil?

Passage for Tomorrow: 2 Corinthians 5:11-15