July 29 Wednesday

Pulled In Two Directions

Read: Philippians 1:19-26

To me, to live is Christ, and
to die is gain….I am hard
pressed between the two,
having a desire to depart
and be with
Christ.
-Philippians 1:21,23

As Christians, we are pulled in two directions. We all want to go
to heaven, but this life also holds great appeal. We are like the
youngster in Sunday school who listened intently while the teacher told
about the beauties of heaven. She concluded by saying, "Raise your
hand if you want to go to heaven." Every hand shot up immediately
- except one. "Why don’t you want to go to heaven, Johnny?
"Well," he replied, "Mom just baked an apple pie for
dinner."

Now, we don’t need to feel guilty for having a strong desire to
enjoy life. Marriage, a family, a fulfilling job, travel, recreation -
these all have a legitimate appeal. But if the delights of our earthly
home are so attractive that we lose sight of God’s purpose for putting
us here, something’s wrong.

The apostle Paul had mixed feelings too. Although he believed he
would be released from prison, he knew that he could possibly fall
victim to Nero’s sword. This created a conflict. He longed to be with
Christ, for that would be "far better" (Phil. 1:23). He also
wanted to live – not merely to enjoy life but because he was needed by
his fellow believers (v.24).

Paul was pulled in two directions and in both cases it was for the
highest reason. What about us? -Dennis J. De Haan

Tempt not my soul away – Jesus is mine;
Here would I ever stay -
Jesus is mine.
Perishing things of clay, born but for one brief
day,
Pass from my heart away – Jesus is mine. -J. Bonar

TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME ON EARTH,
ALWAYS KEEP HEAVEN IN
MIND.

OUR DAILY BREAD, Copyright 1998 by Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids,
Michigan. Used by permission.

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