Torn Between Two Worlds

Torn Between Two Worlds

To me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. Philippians 1:21-25

When Karen and I first met, she was memorizing the entire book of Philippians for a Bible study. I was still walking away from God at the time, and the only way that Karen would spend any time with me was if I helped her with her memorization. As often as she would allow it, I’d go to her place and quiz her on long passages from Paul’s letter.

Today’s verse was one of the first Bible verses that really spoke to me when I came back to faith in God. As I’ve mentioned, the reason I had become an atheist was because two of my friends and several of their family members had been murdered, and I didn’t believe that a good God would allow that to happen. But then I had a dream in which I saw my friends restored to wholeness and happiness in heaven, and they told me not to blame God.

That little glimpse of eternity made me never want to leave, but God let me know very clearly that I had work yet to do on earth. Ever since that day, I haven’t feared death because I know what’s on the other side of the veil. Even now, decades after I had that dream, the tranquility and beauty of that moment remains with me. That’s why I can relate to Paul when he writes, “Living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.”

Every day I wake up and ask God to help me share his love and joy for as long as I remain here on earth. I also thank him at the end of the day because I’m one day closer to returning to my forever home.

TODAY’S RX

God’s heavenly banquet table has an open invitation. We’re encouraged to invite as many people as we can to join us there someday.

Lord, I long to sit at your table and see you face to face. Thank you for the gift of salvation and the promise of heaven.