TO LIVE OR TO DIE?
The prospect of eternal life for one who has believed in Christ is undoubtedly the greatest gift man can have. Yet it also brings up the contradiction of living out one’s life here on earth.
Is it not better to move into eternal life as quickly as possible because no eye has seen, no ear has heard and no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him? There is no sorrow or tears in the life to come, rather the unimaginable abundance that follows from being in the presence of God unhindered by sin that taints everything. Stepping into the next life should bring with it the eager anticipation of moving into something far better. But does that mean that one should try to infuse brevity into this life?
While eternal life beckons us, we are also called to live out this life. We have no memory of what was before we came into this world. In fact, even the 1st few years of life here on this earth are shrouded in mystery as far as our memories are concerned. And we find ourselves here on earth clothed with bodies that are inclined to sin and immersed in a world that is rapidly deteriorating. Yet there is within us the will to live through it, bearing the sufferings and cherishing the joys. And so how do we reconcile the desire to live through this life, yet also step into the next? Paul’s words are interesting,
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 do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith. (Philippians 1:21-25)
Paul echoes what a disciple of Christ knows- it is far better to depart and be with Christ and the life to come is incomparably better. Yet, when God has called us to live out our years here on earth, we do so in obedience to Christ. When ‘to die is gain and to live is Christ’, you win either way. On one hand the hope that one has in Christ fills us with joy at the anticipation of the life to come, which is better. Yet, as long as we live, we invest the years granted to us to serve him and to accomplish his will here on earth.
To live in obedience while waiting to depart in death then no longer becomes a contradiction.
