If creation's frustration, which is likened unto the pangs of childbirth, continues up to this time, then how much more are we who are to bring creation into glory with us, not likely to be groaning inwardly for our release into the glory awaiting us - the redemption of our bodies.

By this admission then, it seems clear that focussing on our future glory is not a peaceful experience. Rather it is a state of continual unfulfilled longing. And it is not a surface discontentment either, but a constant churning of the inward being. But its cause is not the despair of emptiness or angst of an unknown dread, but the eager awaiting "to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling." (2 Cor 5:4) It is a waiting much like that of a young man restlessly yearning for his bride, the fruitful hope of his longing.

The world, however, causes us to seek harmonious and inner peace at all costs. It does so because it wants to get away from the despair and angst, in which there is no hope. But "we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." (2 Cor 5:1)

This then is the difference between the world's groaning and our groaning. And it is crucial for us to understand if we are to live with greater focus on our future glory. For none of us, Christian or pagan, wants to be found naked. But while the pagan seeks to hide his shame by donning this world's Emperor's new clothes, "we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life." (2 Cor 5:4)

Let us then become confident in our inward groaning for our heavenly dwelling, knowing that we have the Spirit as a guarantee of what is to come. Then we will not become deceived by the world's desire for inner peace, but rather make it our daily goal to please Him. For one day we will all stand naked before Christ and be clothed according to what we have done in the body.