Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

August 26
Thursday


OLDER OR
BETTER?

READ:
2 Cor. 4:16-18
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Even though our
outward man is
perishing, yet the
inward man is being
renewed day by day.
__2 Corinthians 4:16
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We know we're getting older when we say things like, "Can you believe how young those professional baseball players are?" And it's a sure sign of aging when we no longer ask, "How are you?" but say, "Hey, you look terrific"__as if we're surprised.

Aging is inevitable. Unfortunately, society has taught us to fear advancing age and to disguise its reality as much as possible. But aging can actually be a wonderful thing. Followers of Jesus have the capacity to get significantly better with age. As Paul put it: "Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day" (2 Cor. 4:16).

Just as there are physical signs that reveal we're getting older, there are signs that show we are getting better. Rather than becoming more crotchety, intolerant, and unloving, the maturing follower of Jesus grows better at forgiving, loving, and caring. Growing older is a continuation of the journey to become more like Jesus, which means that as time goes on our heart and attitudes should increasingly resonate with and reflect the compelling character and winsome ways of our Savior.

So as we grow older, let's embrace the opportunity to become spiritually more like Jesus. Our friends will notice that we look better with age. __Joe Stowell
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```````````````````The seeds of aging sprout in youth,`````````````
`````````````````As weeds or grain they're sure to grow;```````````
````````````````````But if we sow with love and truth,``````````````
```````````````A golden harvest we can know. __D. De Haan````````
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************Today's Bible Reading __ 2 Corinthians 4:16-18*********

16 Therefore we do not
lose heart. Even though our
outward man is perishing,
yet the inward man is being
renewed day by day. 17 For
our light affliction, which is
but for a moment, is
working for us a far more
exceeding and eternal
weight of glory, 18 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.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Aging is a stark reminder of our physical mortality, the outworking
of sin's curse (Gen. 2:17). Inwardly, however, God is transforming
us into a new person by changing the way we think (Rom. 12:2)
and renewing our thoughts and attitudes (Eph. 4:23). As we get to
know more of God our creator, we become more like Him (col.
3:10)__increasingly Christlike in our motive, attitudes, and actions
(2 Cor. 3:18). Ultimately, we will be like Christ (1 John 3:2) in true
righteousness and holiness (Eph. 4:24). We also await our physical
transformation--our bodily resurrection. Our temporal bodies
will take on immortality and eternality, and we will have new and
glorified physical bodies (1 Cor. 15:52-53). __SIM KAY TEE