For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you

 

The Greatest Desire 

Philippians 1:23-24 "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you." 

This is a tremendous summation of Paul's life, a life that has been most interesting. He started out in life with all the secular advantages. He rose to a position of prominence among his peers. From all indications, Paul held in his hands the fame, prestige, fortune and power that worldly men seek. But one day his life took a dramatic turn (Acts 9). In his defense before Agrippa, Paul proclaimed that he was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision (Acts 26:19). There is no doubt that Paul complied with the words of Ananias found in Acts 22:16. There is no doubt that Paul carried out God's plan for him to carry God's message of salvation to the Gentiles (Acts 26:16-18).  

From the time of the events recorded on the road to Damascus and following until the time of his death, Paul had a share of joy, happiness and yes, even fame as a soldier of the cross. However, he also endured some of the roughest, toughest times imaginable (2 Corinthians 11:23-33). Through it all, the good and the bad, he persevered in such a way that he could come to the end of his life and say, "I am ready" (2 Timothy 4:6-8). 

Now, he tells us that he is faced with a dilemma: life or death. Did Paul want to die that very moment? Probably not. Was Paul ready to die at that very moment? Yes,Yes,Yes (Philippians 1:21; Gal. 2:20.)  Like Paul, all of us are faced with that dilemma: life or death. At this point I must ask, Does the similarity continue? Are we, like Paul, ready for either one? How many of us can truly say with confidence, "For me to live is Christ, to die is gain"? (Philippians 1:21) How many of us are living our lives in such a way that we can confidently speak the words of the 23rd Psalm? Can we proclaim that we are the sons of God and when he appears we shall be like him (1 John 3:1-3)? 

All of us should be eagerly looking forward to the day of death or the appearing of the Lord with no fear as to what either one will bring. The day of death becomes the door through which the faithful child of God leaves behind all conflicts with the fleshly appetites that war against the soul (James 4:1; 1 Pet. 2:11; 1 John 2:15-17). All suffering and trials will be ended, there will be no more groaning under the burdens of life. There will be no tears, mourning, crying, pain or death Rev. 21:4; Rev. 14:13).

 The deepest desire of our heart should be to live our life in a manner that will please and glorify the Lord (Philippians 3:7-11; 1 Timothy 4:12; Matthew 5:13-16; Romans 15:5-9; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 John 3:18-22). Living each day of our life glorifying and pleasing Him, we will have no regrets on the day we stand face to face with our Lord in the great judgment (Acts 17:30-31, 2 Corinthians 5:9-10). Eternal life with the Lord Jesus Christ and the redeemed of all ages. what a joy it will be. It is my aim and I pray it is yours also, to live each day loving and trusting the Lord with all my heart. For me, the days of my life are passing by so quickly and I know I will not be here very much longer but that does not bother me because there is a beautiful home that tugs at my heartstrings today (John 14:1-3; Phil. 3:12-14; 1 John 3:1-3).  To God be the glory!     

 Charles Hicks