A Home Away From Home

As a student, there were times when I would be at school, and all I could think about was how much I wished I was at home, enjoying the comforts of my own room. There would be such an intense longing to be home and not be in school, but the reality was that I was supposed to be in school at that particular time. What a dilemma, to long for home yet still needing to be in class at school. This was the holy dilemma that the apostle Paul faced. While Paul longed to be at home with the Lord, he also knew he had a task to complete on earth.

Read 2 Corinthians 5:1-10

Once again, we are reminded by Paul that what this world offers cannot even begin to compare to what we have in store for us in heaven with God. He describes this world as an earthly tent where “we groan and are burdened” (2 Cor 5:4) But this is the first dilemma we face. How many of us actually believe AND live like it is better in heaven than it is here? Lets face it, this world is pretty nice. Its comfortable, it engages us in the things that bring us pleasure. We don’t want to leave this place because we like it here. Instead of treating this world like school (or prison if you actually enjoy school) we treat this world like its our best friend’s house. We don’t ever want to go home. We just want sleepovers and fun. The problem is, we don’t really grasp just how much better heaven will be. Not because of what its like, or where it is, but because of who will be there. God Almighty. Our real home is with Him. We need to start living like something better is coming. Believe it.
But at the same time, do we just give up on this world because it means nothing and is inconsequential in comparison to eternity with God? No way! God has placed us in this world for a purpose. Paul understood that despite his desire to be at home with the Lord, he had a job to finish here. 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 reminds us,
So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
What we’re reminded of here, is that what we do on this earth matters. Our desire now should be to be able to stand before the judgment seat of Christ and hear Jesus say, “well done my good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your master”
Questions:
Do you desire our true home in heaven with God more than this world? What is preventing you from doing that?

Have you made it your aim to please God today? What are tangible ways you can do that?