Bound For Eternity - Which Departure Gate Are You Taking

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day." - 2 Corinthians 4:15-16

You are aware of people's preoccupation with wanting to be or look younger than they are? If they can't reverse the aging process - which they can't, then at least they can try to look younger. Companies make millions of dollars every year convincing people that they can look young if they can no longer be young. I am sure you have heard that you are never to ask a woman her age. I have never been sure about why not - unless it is about vanity. Hello! I have to catch myself now and again. 

This year I will be 73. It is not uncommon for people to be surprised by that - and honestly, somehow I get a feeling of accomplishment, like I can take credit for it, when they comment that they had no idea because I look younger. Vanity raises its ugly head again! My physical body is not the inner man Paul was referring to. Our bodies are made of the dust of the earth. The earth's elements. And those bodies are bound to die just like those in every generation before and after us. Until Jesus comes back. There is no fountain of youth that can change that. No pill. No cream. No diet plan.

"....it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment" - Hebrews 9:27

We don't like to think about that, and should not dwell on it. It's just a fact. But what about what Paul calls the inner man (man being used generically). Personally, I have noticed that I don't "feel" any different on the inside. I might be 73 on the outside but I might well be 23 on the inside. It is the inner-me. The inner us that has an eternal capacity. We all have it. The admonitions about how we are to live and do from the Bible are not addressing the outer man - but the inner man. The heart of man if you will.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

When we are born again, the inner-man is no longer bound to the first Adam like the outer man is - that old man is bound for an eternity separated from God, but we are redeemed by the second Adam, Jesus, bound for an eternity with the Creator God. And more, the way we relate to the world is new. Our regenerated inner man, a reflection of Jesus nature, is expressed through our outer-man. Or should be. And so, our preoccupation should not be about how we look on the outside, but how much light is shining from the inside.

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone