But even if my life is to be poured out like a drink offering to complete the sacrifice of your faithful service (that is, if I am to die for you), I will rejoice, and I want to share my joy with all of you. Philippians 2:17 NLT
Would you be willing to die for another person’s spiritual growth? I’m not sure I’m with Paul on this one yet, because as much as I like to see people growing spiritually, I don’t know if sacrificing my life for their growth is yet an option.
Paul, though, was seeing life through an eternal perspective. Remember he said earlier in the same letter, “for me to live is Christ and to die is great gain.” He recognized that the purpose of his life was to encourage others in Christ.
I’m reminded of an old song. Perhaps you’ve heard it. I don’t think it has a copyright, so here goes:
This world is not my home I’m just a passing through
My treasures and my hopes are all beyond the blue
Where many friends and kindred have gone on before
And I cant feel at home in this world anymore
Over in glory land there is no dying there
The saints are shouting victory there’s singing everywhere
I hear the voice of them that I have heard before
And I cant feel at home in this world anymore
Oh lord you know I have no friend like you
If heaven’s not my home oh lord what would I do
Angel’s beckon me to heaven’s open door
And I cant feel at home in this world anymore
Heaven’s expecting me that’s one I know
I fixed it up with Jesus a long time ago
He will take me through though I am weak and poor
And I cant feel at home in this world anymore
Do you need to be reminded that this world is NOT your permanent home?
What’s one thing dragging you down for which I (and my readers) can pray for you?
This is rare but I do have a differing opinion than you on this one. I believe this IS my home. It won't ultimately look like it does today but there will be "new heavens and a new earth" if you believe Isaiah and John. I talk about it in my post today if your interested: http://www.tonyjalicea.com/2011/03/creation-is-gr…
Great post…and I never mind a differing opinion. Some of it may be semantics. What if I said "this world is not my home in it's current state"? Could you buy that?
Otherwise, how do you reconcile with verses such as: Hebrews 11:13, 1 Peter 2:11, Philippians 3:20…
Thanks Tony
Yeah that's true. It's probably semantics. I think we're on the same page. My issue is with perspective. I know I was raised in a church that basically shunned the world and the only hope was put in heaven. It gave me terrible perspective on the here and now. If you're living for tomorrow, you may end up wasting today.
I agree…totally…with that last sentence. We are to live the abundant life…