Living with Purpose: How 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 Encourages Us to Walk by Faith
As Christians, we are called to live in the light of eternity, knowing that Jesus could return at any moment. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 offer guidance and encouragement as we seek to walk by faith and not by sight. He writes, “So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Corinthians 5:6-10, ESV).
Living with Eternal Perspective
Paul begins by reminding us that our time here on earth is temporary. While we are in this physical body, we are away from the Lord. However, this separation is only for a short time compared to eternity. Paul says we “walk by faith, not by sight,” meaning that our decisions and actions must be driven by trust in God’s promises, even when we can’t see the full picture.
This can be challenging. In our day-to-day lives, we often feel pulled by things we can see—the demands of work, family, and even the distractions of entertainment or social media. Walking by faith means making decisions based on God’s Word, trusting His guidance, and keeping our eyes on eternity. The reality is, we don’t know when Christ will return, but we do know He will. So, how we live now matters.
Courage to Please God
Twice in this passage, Paul mentions courage. It takes courage to live in a way that pleases God when the world is going in the opposite direction. Many times, walking by faith means going against the current. But Paul encourages us to be bold, knowing that our ultimate home is not here. Our home is with the Lord.
Paul also emphasizes that our goal should always be to please God whether we are still alive or have passed on. This is a practical guide for daily Christian living. Every choice, conversation, and decision should be made with the question in mind: “Does this please God?”
Living to please God doesn’t mean living perfectly, but it does mean living purposefully. It’s about being intentional in our thoughts, actions, and relationships, knowing that the Lord sees them.
Accountability Before Christ
The final verse in this passage reminds us that we will all stand before Christ to give an account of our lives. Paul says, “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” This should not instill fear, but rather it should motivate us to live with purpose. While we are saved by grace and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9), our actions still have eternal consequences. The life we live now will be weighed and rewarded.
Jesus illustrates this truth in the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. In this parable, a master entrusts three servants with different amounts of money, or “talents,” before going on a journey. Two of the servants invest and multiply what they were given, while the third hides his talent out of fear. When the master returns, he praises the two faithful servants, saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:23, ESV). However, the third servant is rebuked for his laziness and lack of faithfulness, and his talent is taken away.
This parable teaches us that God has entrusted each of us with resources—whether time, abilities, or opportunities. We are responsible for how we use them. When we stand before Jesus, He will evaluate our faithfulness, not by how much we’ve accomplished, but by how well we’ve stewarded what He has given us. Did we live in a way that honored Him? Did we invest in His kingdom? Did we love others as He commanded?
Just like the servants in the parable, we must not be passive or fearful with what God has given us. Rather, we should seek to use every opportunity to bring glory to God, knowing that our efforts, however small, are seen and will be rewarded by Christ. This reminder of accountability gives us reason to be intentional about the choices we make each day.
Walking in Faith Today
As we live in these last days, we must remember that every day is an opportunity to grow in faith, to encourage others, and to prepare for Jesus’ return. 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 challenges us to live with eternity in mind, seeking to please God in all that we do.
When we choose to walk by faith, we are declaring our trust in God’s promises. This walk requires courage, but we are not alone. God’s Spirit strengthens and guides us, giving us what we need to live faithfully until the day we see Christ face to face.
Spread the Gospel! Lives depend on it!
I pray, MARANATHA! (Come quickly, Lord Jesus!)
Your brother in Christ,
Duane
