That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. —2 Cor. 4:16
Paul likely means that our physical bodies are dying. Paul could also mean that our sinful nature can die each day. Because of this, our spirits renew, revive and restore every day.
“What’s the difference,” some may wonder. “Whether it’s a daily physical death or a sinful death, death is still death.”
This is true.
If, however, we focus on our sinful deaths, then we lose what we want to lose, which are the sins that rob us of our daily joy. This daily joy isn’t just for us singularly; this daily joy is also for those around us.
Here’s a perfect example. Me! Once upon a time, I lived by myself. Alone. Zero other people, unless you count the dogs.
Then, wow, in the span of four months, five people began to live with me fulltime. This was at the start of Covid, so, yes, we were really fulltime. I saw their sins. They saw mine.
I don’t like sin. I don’t like its control and its darkness when there could be light. I choose light. I chose this light for me. As importantly, I choose this light to share with my kids.
So, maybe, just maybe, Paul means we never give up on our sins dying so that our spirits (and the spirits of those around us) renew and rejoice each day.
PRAYER: Jesus, help us put to death our sinful natures so that Your love for us (and Your love in us) shows every day. Amen.