Introductory Thoughts
Every Christian should recognize that the Bible is the mind of God. As such, it frequently presents things from a perspective contrary to man’s common line of thinking and teaching. Most men place their greatest emphases upon the here and now. Their only concept of life is the life lived in the flesh while on earth. Too few consider that while they are at home in this body upon the earth, they are absent from the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6). While man is absent from the Lord, he is absent from the truest form of life that he can ever know. This is why Paul said, “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). Paul knew that life truly began at the moment man leaves his body to be present with the Lord.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): The apostle Paul said "to die is gain" and he tells us why (Philippians 1:21, 23). That is why he was "ready" when his time to die was soon coming (2 Timothy 4:6). The Lord is with us now; and when we die, we will be with Him (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10).
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(For everyone): How could Paul boldly say that he would rather be absent from the body? What must happen in a persons life in order to be able to share Pauls longing for the afterlife?
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What are some ways in which your life after death will be far superior to the life which you currently live? How should that truth also improve your present life?
Prayer Thoughts
- Thank God for the eternal life He has given you.
- Ask the Lord to help you live each day for His glory.
Song
ABSENT FROM FLESH! O BLISSFUL THOUGHT
