"And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." (Romans 8:23).
The creation can't wait for this all to end. It was subjected to futility because of sin. It groans for its redemption.
But creation isn't the only one who groans. So do we, those of us who've tasted the firstfruits of the Spirit.
God has come to live within us. Covered by the blood and empowered by the Spirit, we have gotten a little taste of redemption. We have moments of Spirit-led beauty and obedience. We've tasted eternal things.
But, though the Spirit lives in us, we still lug around these bodies of sin. They have tasted sin. They are weak, keeping us so often from doing or being all we'd like. Their frailty will one day be replaced with glory. At the great and final resurrection of the dead, Christ will take our mortal bodies and make them immortal. We'll be sown in dishonor, but raised in glory. That day awaits.
But, for now, we groan. We aren't everything we want to be. Not yet. Inwardly, we groan at our limitations and imperfections. We crave something more. Eagerly, we long to be transformed into the image of Christ. We seek His transformation today but look forward to His glorification forever. One day, it will all come together, and this corruption will be put off. Incorruption will be ours.
And when it is, no more groaning! No more groaning because of our short tempers. No more groaning because of our discontentment and greed. No more groaning because of our laziness and lusts. No more groaning because of our hatred and pride. It will all go, every ounce of it replaced with Christlike love and grace.
On that day, our groaning will give way to glory. We, along with creation, will sing at the newness that is ours in Jesus! The struggle, today, is real. But the struggle, tomorrow, will be gone. Forever, no groaning!
