Abide Together: Reflections on 2 Corinthians 5-6

In 2nd Corinthians 5 Paul writes about how his physical body is wasting away, but he looks forward to the day when his salvation from the very presence of sin will be complete.  This is guaranteed, because God gave those who know Christ the Spirit as down payment assuring that they would be eternally in the presence of God.  Yet, Paul does not just wait around for that to happen, but desires to be faithful in honoring the Lord while here in his decaying body.  This is evident by his words in verse 9, “Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.”  Lord, may I always seek to please You whether here in the body or at home in heaven with You.

In 2nd Corinthians 6 Paul encourages the believers to follow the example of him and his companions by not receiving the  grace of God in vain.  Instead, no matter the difficulty or victory, they are to honor God.  He also instructs them not to be in binding relationships with unbelievers, because the foundation of their lives our polar opposites.  Lord, may I embrace the power of your grace daily and live to honor You.

– Bryan McKenzie