I’m not sure I have ever grasped the passage where Paul says, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Phil. 1:21. I think we often “see” heaven as this mystical place where we were ultimately “born for”. We’re “only visiting this planet” as Larry Norman would say. But, to take that attitude leaves out our responsibility, our privilege of what this world has to offer. And what we have to offer TO this world.
I’ve been reading the book, True Spirituality by Francis Schaeffer in my reading group. This past week, we read something that helped defined this thought.
According to the Bible, we are to be living a supernatural life now, in this present existence, in a way we shall never be able to do again through all eternity. We are to be called upon to live a supernatural life now, by faith. Eternity will be wonderful, but there is one thing heaven will not contain, and that is the call, the possibility and the privilege of living a supernatural life here and now by faith before we see jesus face-to-face.
I have opportunities here and now. Daily. Though death may bring a certain “gain” that we might long for, the “to live is Christ” part is a daily choice. (There’s that choice thing again!). Maybe even a moment by moment choice. What can I offer today?
