https://odb.org/2025/06/11/stay-ready
2 Corinthians 5:1–10 (NIV): 5 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Meanwhile, we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, 3 because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4 For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now, the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
6 Therefore, we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body, we are away from the Lord. 7 For we live by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
When we read today’s Scripture, we will see that Paul expresses his desire to be with the Lord rather than continue here on this earth in his human body. But as we live by faith, not by sight, we endeavour to please God whether we are here on earth or with Him in heaven. The reason is simple. We need to appear before the judgment seat of Christ (also known as the Bema judgment of Christ) to receive what is due to us for the things done while in the body here on earth, whether good or bad.
Thus, if we still think that Christianity is just about getting saved and carrying on with our lives as we so please, we are seriously wrong! We need to account to Christ for the things we have done while in the body. In other words, we need to please God with our lives – not just in terms of our morality but also on serving Him based on His plans and purposes for our lives.
That is why when it comes to serving God, there is no real retirement. We serve until we die. Because as believers, we serve Him as we live out our lives. Serving God is an integral part of our living here on earth.
Paul emphasised pleasing Him while in the body as much as we long to be with the Lord. Ultimately, whether we live or die here on earth, it is in the hands of God. So until we die, we must continue to please Him by serving Him, no matter what our age is. We can serve Him at the peak of our youth, and we can serve Him when we are old. So long as we are healthy and mentally alert, we can serve Him. Don’t give up, but continue to serve God while we are still working or when we retire. Whether we are young, as parents, or as grandparents or great-grandparents! Boots on the ground until our very last breath! Amen!
Ronnie's Thoughts 