“To Live Or Not To Live!”

“To Live Or Not To Live!”(Phi.1:22-26).
At the dawn of a new day, I lift up my soul to you, O LORD!(Ps.25:1).
Recently, a joke circulated on social media wondering why a Christian is struggling to pay house rent instead of just going to heaven to occupy his mansion that is already there?
Socrates is quoted as having told his accusers at the hour of his death, “The hour of departure has arrived, and we go our separate ways, I to die, and you to live. Which of these two is better only God knows.” He had wondered why we think the land of the dead is maybe worse than this life. When we were still in the womb, we didn’t know what to expect in this physical life. It is an unpardonable ignorance when we cling to this world and are scared of the world beyond.
We believe that there is a far better land with Christ than this one here.
We are pilgrims on this earth, and one day, we will return home. That is an indisputable fact!
However, there is a reason why we have to choose to live until our travelling days are done. The Lord Jesus Christ escaped from his enemies several times before the appointed time. He had to complete his mission before departure. That is why he uttered those last words, “It is finished!” This was not a cry of remorse or disappointment; it was words of satisfaction! In other words, he said, “It is accomplished!!”
You see, people build magnificent, comfortable, and cosy retirement homes in their villages or places of their choices. But because they still have work to do where they are, they continue to live in houses far inferior to what they have built for their retirement.
We have work to do here on earth, but we also love to be with Christ. Yet, for the sake of the people who still need us, we choose to be here now!
Paul had such an inner battle to choose either to be with Christ or to want to live a little longer. He chose the latter with reasons: “If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour 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, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.”
My friend, it is by far better to die and be with Christ, but it is necessary to be alive for the sake of the people who still need our services for their progress and joy in the faith.
Paul does not talk of death. He talks of being in the body or not. The body is dust, but we are often trapped in it. It is possible that his body could no longer support him, especially with the torments of imprisonment and tortures. But he knew that to keep on living was fruitful labour for the benefit of the brethren.
Our prayer is that let no hardship discourage our will to live and do the work we have been assigned to do. When the work is done, we will go to be with our Lord full of joy that we accomplished our mission. Hallelujah!
Weekend prayer: Holy Spirit, during the moments of our inner battles about the right choice, prompt us to choose to fulfil our mission. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.
27/09/2025.