We are not merely bodies. There is a life within our body which continues when the body ceases to exist. The inner man does not wear out as the body wastes away. It does not grow old or become feeble with the years. The inner life is not dependent on the outer. One may be physically broken and decrepit, yet spiritually strong.
Paul states this truth: “Though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day.” The outer may be destroyed, and the man still live on.
“I will kill you!” said the emperor to an undismayed follower of Christ. “That you cannot do,” said the Christian, “for my life is hid with Christ in God!”
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16. “For our perishable earthly bodies must be transformed into heavenly bodies that will never die.” 1 Corinthians 15:53
This imperishable life has special application for those suffering from sickness or bodily affliction. It helps us endure physical sufferings quietly, remembering that only the outward man is affected, while the inward man may grow in beauty and strength, renewed through pain.
A poor shoemaker in a dreary shop once noticed a spot where he could see green fields, blue skies, and faraway hills. He set his bench there, so he could lift his eyes from his dull work and glimpse the beautiful world outside.
Similarly, from the darkest sick-room or keenest sufferings, there is always a point to see the face of Christ and the glory of heaven. Finding this vision makes even the greatest suffering bearable.
“For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down — when we die and leave these bodies — we will have a home in heaven, an eternal body made by God himself and not by human hands.” — 2 Corinthians 5:1-2
Sickness is hard to bear, but doing God’s will is the noblest thing any hour, however hard. If called to suffer, let us suffer patiently and sweetly. Under sharp trials, keep the peace of God in our hearts. Under the snows of suffering, cherish the gentlest growths of spiritual life. The outward man may decay, but the inward man is renewed day by day.
Paul’s teaching has an application to those who are growing old. He was an old man when he wrote these triumphant words. As a missionary, he had traveled over many lands to carry the gospel. He had been exposed to storms, illnesses, and fierce persecutions. He had suffered hardships, and was a broken man, physically. The ‘old house’ he had lived in so long was battered. But while his body was worn out — the outward man decaying — his inward man was strong, undecaying, triumphant!
The problem of Christian old age is to keep the heart young and full of hope and of all youth’s gladness, however feeble the body may become. We need to be watchful, lest we allow our life to lose its zest or deteriorate in quality, when old age begins to creep in. The best seems behind us, and there is less to draw us on. Hopes of achievement appear ended; our work is almost done.
Sometimes people, as they grow old, become less sweet and beautiful in spirit. Troubles, misfortunes, or broken health make the days painful. Their life of youthful hopes, dreams, successes, loves, and joys has been sunk out of sight, submerged in adversities, and has vanished altogether. Nothing remains but a memory. Their hearts have grown hopeless and bitter.
But this is not worthy living for those who are immortal, true children of God. These hard things are not meant to mar our life — they are meant to make us braver, worthier, nobler! The infirmities of old age should not break into our inner life. Our hearts should grow more beautiful, the more the outer life is broken. The shattering of the old mortal tent should reveal more of the glory of the divine life within!
Old age should be the best of life, with flaws mended, faults cured, mistakes corrected, and lessons learned. Youth is full of immaturity, mid-life full of toil and ambition. Old age should be as the autumn, with golden fruit. We should be better Christians than ever — more submissive to God’s will, content, patient, gentler, kindlier, more loving. Drawing nearer to heaven, our visions of the Father’s house should be clearer and brighter.
This lesson has its comforts also for the believer in death. Some dread death as extinction, the end of all. Oh, no! It is the end of nothing but sin and mortality! “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
When the body dies, the spirit escapes to live forever with Christ. Dying hurts no believer. It is emancipation, “absent from the body — at home with the Lord!” Fear nothing if your life is hidden with Christ in God. When earth perishes, heaven is our final, imperishable home.Life is a burden — bear it;
Life is a duty — dare it; Life is a thorn-crown — wear it.
Though it break your heart in twain, Though the burden crush you down;
Close your lips and hide your pain; First the cross — and then the crown!
J. R. Miller (1840-1912) was a pastor and former editorial superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication from 1880 to 1911. His works are now in the public domain. This is an edited version of his original.
