The apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, “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 4:16)
As the apostle Paul wrote these words to the church at Corinth, it was with the intent to encourage those who are struggling with difficulties in this life. Of course, he was not immune to trials. He revealed in his letter to the church at Corinth that he was
…in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often…” (11:23)
What an example to the saints when Paul stated,
Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity. (11:29-30)
His apostolic calling did not make him to differ from the average follower of Christ. He endured trying times just as they did. He would not lose heart or allow the trials of life to sway his walk with the Lord. Neither should we. Rather, may we, like Paul
…take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (12:10)
With the passing of each new day, new week, new month, and new year, we are aging. The “outward man is perishing.” We dwell in wearing down bodies in a wearing down world. The apostle experienced this as much as any other, for he may have been losing his sight (Galatians 6:11) and perhaps had other health issues (2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Galatians 4:13-15).
Despite the perishing of the outward man, Paul found comfort by the continual growth of the inward, the spiritual man. He saw each new day as a new opportunity for spiritual growth. What a blessing that God renews us day by day in the inward man (Ephesians 3:16).
Since we serve a God who seeks to forgive our sins (1 John 1:9), each new day is truly a blessing from God, for it is a fresh start, a new beginning. Today is an opportunity to do better than yesterday. Today is a fresh slate, unmarred by sin; indeed, a new opportunity to imitate the image of Christ in our life. We are at the time of year when folks are prone to make “New Year’s resolutions.” It is good to resolve to make changes for the good.
We don’t need a new year to do so, but nonetheless, it is an opportune time. What have you resolved to do? What changes have you determined to make in the coming year? Let it be more than the usual, lose weight, eat healthier, get out of debt, save for a trip, etc.. These all have to do with the outward man which is perishing. May our focus be on those things which are eternal, not temporal.
Will you renew your determination to assemble with God’s people on every occasion possible? Are you committed to renewing yourself to share the message of Christ with the lost in all readiness? Will you renew your faithfulness in reading God’s word daily? After encouraging the brethren not to lose heart but to be renewed in spirit, Paul continued building up the saints and contrasting the eternal with the temporary. He writes:
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
Renew yourself, my friend. Get your mind on eternal matters; devote yourself and each day to the Lord. If you are a Christian, you belong to the Lord. Live in such a way that He will be glorified and fellow Christians will be edified. Make your life a light to the world, so that those who are around you will know the way of God, and turn from sin to the Lord. Renew yourself in 2010, renew yourself today and every day!
Links: YouVersion | GROW magazine
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