Today's Devotional

 

October 1, 2007

                                                                                  

Subject:   Where I'd Rather Be 

Philippians 1:23 - 24 "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you." 

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Many of us have heard so many religious cliches in our lives that we often recite them ourselves as if they were based on good theology.  I thought about one of these yesterday as I drove home from church with the family.

We had the Christian radio station on and the artist was using one of the most popular cliches that I've heard.  "Thank You Lord for waking me up this morning and starting me on my way."  Those lyrics have to be in a million "Gospel" songs, prayers or testimonials.  Of course on closer examination, what is it saying?  Are we thanking God that He has left us here in the world for another day?  Had He not awaken us, is that a bad thing?  Is it that we would rather be here than with Him?  It seems to me that the cliche is saying, "Oh God, I'm glad I'm still here in the world and not hanging out with You in heaven." 

I think Paul had the right view as he wrote to the church at Philippi.  Read the verses above in the God's Word version of the bible: "I find it hard to choose between the two. I would like to leave this life and be with Christ. That's by far the better choice, but for your sake it's better that I remain in this life."

We are here because God has a purpose and plan for us in this world.  However, let's not get it twisted."  This is not our home and this place is definitely not to be more treasured than our true home with the Father.

Today we can thank God that He has a purpose and plan for us here, but don't thank Him that you're not with Him.  That's losing sight of why you were put here in the first place.  

Carlen