"I Am In A Strait Betwixt Two"

Burt Jones

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.

 

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