2 Corinthians 5:2-5

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. -2 Corinthians 5:2-5

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What’s with all the groaning in this passage?  The Apostle Paul is alluding to the fact that while we live in this fallen and broken world, there’s a sense that this is not how things should be.  Racism is not how things should be.  Covid-19 is not how things should be.  Cancer is not how things should be.  Bullying is not how things should be.  Broken relationships is not how things should be.  Death is not how things should be.

The “groaning” Paul mentions is an awareness we all have that something is deeply wrong with this world.  We try to distract ourselves with K-dramas, anime, video games, and relationships, but when we have a moment to really be quiet and reflect, that “groaning” returns.  It’s this dread that the world is messed up and there’s very little we can do about it.

The Christian writer and thinker C.S. Lewis aptly pointed out in his writings that this dread we feel about the state of our world is a sign that we really belong to another world—God’s world.  Check out this quote:

“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”

Our dissatisfaction with this world is a sign that we were made for another.  Instead of distracting ourselves from our dissatisfaction, we need to embrace it and recognize that where we are right now is not our true home.  Our better home is elsewhere with God and we are simply passing through here.

The thought of heaven and eternity with God gives us the strength to endure the temporary present.