For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?
Romans 8:24 ESV

Paul’s hope is in the resurrection and the restoration of all Creation. If there is no resurrection, to what are we saved? There is no ultimate purpose in worshiping and obeying our Creator, beyond the basic self-interest of a better life, but “better” is relative.

Is it better to be poor and sick with good relationships or to be healthy and rich with shallower friendships? Of course, a godly man chooses righteousness, regardless of the material cost, but the hope of a resurrection into eternity clarifies the distinction between those two possible “betters”.