Articles
Far Better
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For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. (Phil. 1:21-23)
He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Heb. 2:14-15)
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The events of the past year have exposed a number of weaknesses in our society, but none so starkly as one: Americans are terrified of death. We are willing shut down our entire economy, uproot every vestige of social life, and spend extravagant sums of money to avoid even the possibility of dying. We will make whatever sacrifice we must, even to the point of wrecking our mental health, to escape the grim reaper.
Paul did not share that perspective on death. His hope was so strong, so intense, that he saw death as an opportunity to be with Christ, a fate that was "far better" than remaining in this world of sin and suffering. His life was not his to take, so suicide was not an option; but when the time came for the Lord to take him home, he was more than ready. In fact, he was looking forward to the journey. For Paul, this was a no-brainer.
Why is it so hard for us to have that kind of confidence in the face of an end that we know is coming? Have we become so enamored with the comfortable life we have made for ourselves in this world that we are now blind to the glory of the world to come? Are our families, friends, jobs, homes, hobbies and so on so crucial to our self-identity that they have replaced God as the focus of our lives? Has our faith become just an empty mask that serves only to signal our standing among the "right" people?
Until we can see death for what it really is, a gateway into another life, we will never be free of its fear. Worse, we will never be prepared for it. The martyrs are shaking their heads in shame; did the hope of eternal life in the hereafter die with them?
Paul loved his brethren and the work he was doing in their behalf. But he loved the prospect of heaven even more, and looked forward to that day when the Lord would call him home. Consequently, death could not threaten him. That outlook on life gave him a courage in the face of adversity that bystanders could not comprehend. That kind of courage seems to have been lost in our generation.
It's time that we re-examine the foundation of our faith. Do we really "desire to depart and be with Christ," or are we in bondage to the fear of death? Choose one.
--David
