As Christians, we all want to go to heaven, but
we are torn between that home of the soul and this life which
also holds great appeal. We are as the youngster in Bible school
who listened intently as the teacher told of the beauties of heaven.
She concluded by saying "All of you who want to go to heaven
raise your hands." Every hand shot up immediately - except
one. "Why don't you want to go to heaven, Johnny?" "Well,"
he replied, "when I left home, Mom was baking a pie."
Brethren, we shouldn't feel guilty for possessing
a strong desire to enjoy this life with all the goodness and beauty
placed here by God. Marriage, a family, a fulfilling job, travel,
recreation - these all have a legitimate pull. But, if the delights
of this earthly home become so attractive that we lose sight of
God's eternal purpose, then we must examine ourselves, whether
we be in the faith (1 Cor. 13:5).
The apostle Paul had mixed feelings as to his
desire to live or die. Although he fully believed that he would
be released from prison, he also knew that he could fall victim
to the sword of Nero. This created a conflict. He longed to be
with Christ, for that would be "far better" than anything
this world held for him. But he was in a strait betwixt two, having
a desire to depart, and to be with Christ which is far better:
Nevertheless, to abide in the flesh was more needful for those
whom he served (Philippians 1:22-24).
Paul was hard pressed to decide what was best.
He was "in a strait betwixt two" - to be with the Lord,
or to stay and serve Him heavenly minded. P.O. Box 985, Moundsville,
WV 26041.