We have an issue. We've learned from Scripture that Christ will not abandon us to the grave and we have an eternal, perfect home. It’s called the Golden Secret in Psalm 16, and once we figure the secret out, many of us don’t want to tarry on this soil any longer. We have our ticket to eternal life and we’ve packed our bags. We’re ready, impatient, even, for our “real lives” to begin on the other side of the veil. When a new bride, I remember hearing my mother-in-law say something similar. “Your mom is depressed,” I told my husband, “She has a death wish.” But now I understand. I’m ready to go, too….

It was a relief, then, to see that Paul struggled with the same issues. It was his prayer that Christ be exalted in his body, whether by life or death. He prayed a prayer of relinquishment, but he definitely had a preference of where he wanted to be. Read on.

Philippians 1:20
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose?”

(I love this point…he muses which way he would choose, if it were up to him? Death or life?)

Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two:
I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far….

(Here is where he reveals his heart….he’s torn, but if he has to give a Final Answer, he says, “Get me out of here, Lord!” He knows for a factual fact that it‘s better by far…there‘s not even a hesitation…he knows this for sure!)

…but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.


(Out of love for the body, he relinquishes yet again,. He knows that he has work to do on this side, work that was appointed for him to do before the beginning of time. This is true love, that he will wait and even stay his “vote” for the brethren.)

Convinced of this, I know I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.” Paul will remain and he will continue on. He won’t just see this world as Heaven’s Waiting Room. No! He’ll continue with “all of you” and once more, he’ll expect progress!

A dear saint in her 80’s is battling cancer, and it’s a war. She knows where she is going but has resisting packing her bags. Why? Because like Paul, she is concerned about those who are left behind. Therefore, she won’t hasten the day. (Fascinating to me, as I admit I think I would consider refusing all treatment and welcoming with joy and relief my blessed Final Reward). No, she fights on. This must be the Holy Spirit pressing her on, because her flesh and mind have got to be exhausted. (Mine are, at half her age.) I am in awe.

My prayer for today, then, is that I can be more mindful of God’s plan for my life, and His perfect timing. I’ll try to think less of the other side (where all my treasures are stored) and focus more on this world, where He clearly has me entrenched. I’ll do the work He’s ordained for me to do, and pray to see progress and joy in the faith in others around me…..including me!

And like Paul, I’ll occasionally indulge in a fantasy. Which would I pick if I had a vote?

Why, to be with Christ, of course. It’s better BY FAR.

Dedicated to Mark, Lisa, Adam...and all the saints who've gone ahead and show us the way.