August 4: Living is Christ, dying is gain

For me, living is Christ and dying is gain. Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. I am pressured by both. I have the desire to depart and be with Christ — which is far better — but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you.    (Philippians 1:21-24 — Holman Christian Standard Bible)

As far as he was concerned, life or death, earth or heaven, Paul could not choose between the two. This is a very unusual attitude for people in the world, no one wants to die, everyone wants to live as long as they can. But it was truly a toss up for Paul. Dying would be better because he would be in heaven with God, but staying on earth would also be good because the Philippian church, and others, needed his help. This is the attitude of a mature, saved child of God. Because we are in God’s hands — life or death — it’s all the same. Either way we are with God.

Paul felt the pressure of both. He longed to be with His Father in heaven. He wrote “I have the desire to depart” — a tentmaker by profession we could say that Paul viewed death as simply packing up his tent and moving on, from earth to heaven, continuing his life there. But he also had a burning desire to save the lost. He was in prison at the time — in chains and watched by guards — which must have been a constant reminder of how many people were still held captive and oppressed by the devil, prisoners to their own fleshly desires, needing help. 

All of us should have the same attitude. If we don’t, we should question our commitment and belief in God. When we do not copy Paul’s attitude something would have to be wrong with our faith and relationship with God. This life on earth is not all there is; it’s not even the best part. Life on earth is a test, and the reward is heaven. God wants to know if we will choose Him, and if we do we will be welcomed into heaven for eternity. Anyone who holds on to their life on earth, valuing it more than heaven, is shortsighted. 

When God chooses to take us home, we should be glad. And as long as He keeps us here on earth, we should also be glad to save more souls and develop a deeper relationship with Him.