Inner Self Renewed

My outer self died and is wasting away, all the while, my inner self is growing stronger and stronger day by day.

“¹⁶So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16 (ESV)

Paul expresses that as Christians, we are growing newer each day from the inside. I have used the following before and it was brought to mind again this morning. I liken this to the elderly. As they grow older, their faith seems to grow stronger. There is less placed on the monetary and tangible items of this world and more energy and attention are place in the spiritual and internal growth, especially in the relationship with Christ.

I am beaten down daily for what I see as following Christ in my approach as I work to serve others before serving myself. I have to remember the following as written by Paul.

“¹⁷For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, ¹⁸as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV)

God has prepared a place for my eternal residence in heaven. My way there has been paid, I only need to continue growing internally to prepare for my full enjoyment when I arrive.

When you look at yourself, are you concerned more with the exterior? What about your internal self? Are you growing and being renewed internally day by day?