I was tucking my daughter Reese into bed the other night, and we were having a great conversation about heaven. She's been intrigued by the topic lately, asking all sorts of questions about heaven and seeing Jesus and all of that. Another thing that we do a lot at bed time are "Would You rather Questions?" My kids love them, and it's hilarious to me.
Anyways, in the middle of the conversation, Reese said, "Would you rather live here or live in heaven."
My mind immediately went to Philippians 1:21, and I was faced with the dilemma of preaching a sermon and answering my curious five year old in a way that she could understand. So I did the best I could to explain that heaven will be a place that is better and unlike anywhere we could ever go. It's better than here, but because God is still using me here on earth, I am so blessed to be here and spend my days being her daddy and helping her understand why she needs to love Jesus with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Heck yeah there were a few tears! She cried. I choked up. Then I changed the subject with a genius "would you rather be eaten by an alligator or a lion?" Something to that effect.
Anyways, I've been thinking about that question ever since. For sure living in the hope of Jesus, heaven is the better place to be. But Paul, explaining the tension he felt in the "would you rather" question, made a case for why it was hard to leave his current home; And it didn't have anything to do with His comforts, or His possessions, or His familiarities...It had everything to do with His mission.
In verse 22 He says, "If I am to remain in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me." Paul's purpose in living, was seeing people come to Christ. Sure he had to make a living, sure he had responsibilities, but nothing was going to get in the way of Him proclaiming Christ, and seeing fruit for the Kingdom of God.
And so comes our challenge. What are we living for?
All of us, whether in full time vocational ministry, or full time "secular work place" ministry....it's all ministry! Like Paul, the only reason God still has us here on this earth is to help get His name and His fame to all those who are not following Jesus. Do you think about that when you go about your day? When you drive to work? When you go home to your family?
Praise God that he has given me a wonderful family, but above my enjoyment of their company, my mission needs to be that my kids know and love the Gospel of Jesus.
Praise God that he gives us jobs to provide for our earthly needs, but above the next deal, or the next step in success, or the next promotion, needs to be the evidence of Christ in Me, the only Hope of Glory!
When we are willing to "LIVE IS CHRIST," like Paul said, the Lord will open doors. Those doors may demand sacrifice, they may demand hardships, but on the other side is fruitful labor for the kingdom if we are willing to be used.
When we reach our real home in heaven, this life will have been so short. While I'm here, I want to run hard and I want to be used. I want to see my kids love Jesus, and help aid as many people as the Lord wills to become the worshipers He is seeking.
What's your context? What are you living for?