Throughout Paul's letters (and the other NT epistles) we learn that Christians should have a very sober perspective about this temporary life. Things are not all they are cracked up to be. In fact, Paul expresses a strong desire to depart from this life, which is a struggle and burden, and go on to the next life where he will dwell in the presence of his Lord. I must admit that I have a hard time relating to Paul. I am always perplexed by his disdain for this present life. To me things seem pretty good. I enjoy being a husband and a father. I like sharing various experiences with family and friends. My job as a pastor gives me a sense of purpose and meaning. Why does Paul have such a different attitude?
Paul's perspective comes from two worldview-altering revelations:
1) While we live in this life we are naked. This is a strange statement, considering we spend a good majority of our time wearing clothing. In what way are we naked? This nakedness comes to us from Adam and Eve. On the day they sinned against God, they realized they were naked. This implies that they were previously clothed. Clothed with what though? Considering that mortality arrived simultaneously with their awareness of their nakedness, it seems quite plausible that they were originally clothed in the life of God. They were not meant to be temporary beings. However, they took their clothes off and ever since humans have been temporary creatures.
2) While we live in this life we are burdened. In addition to losing the life of God, Adam and Eve are also cursed. The curse to each of them relates to the fruitfulness and flourishing of life. Eve will have pain in childbirth, and Adam will labor to make the ground produce food. Prior to this curse life would have flourished on its own. Having decided to be like gods, Adam and Eve are left to bring about life without the power of God.
So Paul realizes that life is not what it was meant to be. Knowing this causes him to have a sober perspective on this life and to long for the life to come. God has made a promise to us: "I'll cause life to flourish again." This is the vision of the Old Testament prophets. They are always looking into the future and seeing a time where God will turn deserts into gardens again. In John 10:10, Jesus says that he came to give us abundant life, the abundant life that was lost in the beginning. See what I fail to realize on a daily basis is that God has so much more for his creation. This life is not the end all, be all. We are simply living in the opening act. When I realize this, then I can begin to share in Paul's attitude about this life. This also makes it easier for me to give of myself and make sacrifices in this life because I know that there is a better life to come. I do not have to cling onto every last ounce of this life as if there was nothing better. I can put my hope and faith in the home that Christ is preparing for me.
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