Read 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
We groan. We sigh. We wait for something more. Something to change. We look at our families, the sin nature of our kids, of ourselves, we trudge through this hard work of mothering one muddy step and a time and we think, "Is it really supposed to be like this? Isn't there something more?" And in the eternal "Yes" of God - in Christ Jesus - the answer comes into focus and rings loud and clear. Yes. There is more. SO much more. In this next section (2 Cor 5:1-10) Paul is actually continuing on with reasons why we "do not lose heart" that he began to encourage us with in chapter 4.
"For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life. Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a pledge. Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord - for we walk by faith, not by sight - we are of good courage..." 2 Cor 5:4-5
Heavenly perspective. I pray for this a lot. That God would open my eyes to the unseen (4:18) and that I might live in light of the greater reality of what is not now and what is to come. Don't you groan, too, kindred mama? I feel my earthly tent (my human body) worn down. And not just because I'm not doing Jillian Michaels like I should be :) We can't deny the mortality. A pregnancy, an infant, a toddler will most certainly make you feel it. This fallen world takes its toll on our physical bodies for sure. But our gracious God doesn't just leave us hanging out to dry. He reminds us daily of our intended purpose to be clothed, alive, with Him "Corum Deo" (face to face), fully transformed, fully redeemed - mind, body and spirit - complete in Him. He reminds us by the inner working of the Holy Spirit's presence in our hearts and we cling to that promise like a Bride to an engagement ring. Though our outer man is wasting away, our inner man is being renewed day by day...renewed in hope that strengthens the bones to hang on, press forward, show up and not lose heart because what we see really isn't all that is. So if this is our purpose, if eternity is one of the rock solid reasons why we do not lose heart, then this is where our focus should be. You see, for Paul, "Heaven was not simply a destination, it was a motivation." (Wiersbe, Warren; Bible Exposition Commentary, 1989)
And this motivation can be yours and mine as well. You know, I read this and I hear the whisper, "Shawna, what is your ambition? What's propelling you through the days, months and years of this Motherhood Call?" Is it successful, well-trained children who grow up to become "Citizen of the Year?" Or better yet, is it that my children grow up to love God with all their hearts and in our home we have harmonious relationships and joy? Is it a clean, orderly home? Is it a healed heart in my adopted son? Is it that my kids fill their marble jars with good works and kind words? Are all these my ambitions in life? Answer: Yes. Sure. But those should all fall under the over arching Greatest Ambition to simply live to want to please Jesus, my Lord. Why? Because...I love Him. And He loves me. And He's really just that worthy of it all. Pleasing Him is our one ambition. It's in the driver's seat and steering the packed mini van of "life ministry".
We're going to stand in front of Him one day as sure as the sun rises and sets. And the search lights of His Kingly glory will shine bright into our hearts revealing the motivations behind our deeds. Standing before the Lamb. Revealed. People get ready. Live and minister in such a way knowing that your life is an open book before Him. There won't be any surprises to Him...He knows everything already. But Oh...that Day! When all will be seen. We don't approach that Day with dread. 2 Cor 5:21 says that we have become the very righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Our souls have become the very Holy of Holies. "No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me". But! You better believe I look ahead to that Day with a serious truckload of reverent fear and trembling. And even moreso, with a driving motivation that on that Day my Savior and King Jesus will smile and be pleased with me and how I have handled all that He has entrusted to me in this fleeting moment of a lifetime. Kids, Spouse, House, Work, Community, Family, etc... All under the one great ambition to please Him now and for eternity.
Kindred Sister, may our groanings tune us in to what lies ahead. Great and glorious promises fulfilled!!
And may we read this text and ask: What's driving our mothering? What are we investing in? What are our goals? Do they all fall under the one simple ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him?
"Give me one pure and holy passion
Give me one magnificent obsession
Jesus, Give me one glorious ambition for my life
To know and follow hard after You"
