This earth is filled with wonder, and my heart with wanderlust.
God has given me such a desire to adventure and explore His dazzling creation.
It used to stress me out as I tried to compile a lengthy bucket-list of all the destinations I've dreamt of visiting, until Sunday when I heard a simple sentence that left a big impact and a content heart:
"the idea of our glorified bodies, gives us perspective to live with moderation"- Michael Spotts
Our bodies and life on earth are temporary, distorted by sin. But as Christians we have hope, because God has promised us the resurrection of both body and soul in Paradise.
"He will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body"
- Philippians 3:21
The hope of having a physical body in the future, helps us to live moderately in the means by which we enjoy the earth God has given us in the now. Before, I was tempted to cram an entire eternity of bodily pleasures in my one mortal experience. How comforting that we don't have to be gluttonous, because there will be enough! How comforting to know that we don't have to be adulterous, because it will be far better to communion with Jesus! How comforting that the New Earth will be a marvelous gallery of God's craftsmanship, and we won't depend on money or other needs to explore it! When you embrace this truth in your heart, it will change the way you live your life. Knowing our time here is limited, we shift our focus to glorifying God, rather than ourselves.
Don't get me wrong. I still possess the desire to experience God's remarkable creation, but no longer the lust. It's not a frantic need, that if unfulfilled before I die, renders me hopeless. Because I know what's awaiting me in eternity is infinitely better. Not only do these assurances provide us with comfort, but we can also have JOY. Why distinguish the difference? Comfort takes the edge off of sorrow, but joy entails pleasure. We find joy by meditating on, and anticipating the next life.
Q: How does "life everlasting" comfort you?
A: Even as I already now experience in my heart the beginning of eternal joy, so after this life I will have perfect blessedness such as no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no man has ever imagined: a blessedness in which to praise God eternally.- Heidelberg Catechism
I am learning to sync my present condition, with the hope of the future. Instead of wandering, I wonder. Instead of lusting, I am content.
*adapted from Michael Spotts' sermon, "Trading in the Old Tent"
