Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Life offers us tough choices. No one in his right mind would turn down the opportunity to be with God in heaven. No pain. No sorrow. No needs. But to some degree many of us thrive on conflict, even chaos.

Some people however (and at times I'm one) wish for an end to their problems. In such moments, finding an exit from this world doesn't seem like a bad idea. Let's face reality. There are times when life overwhelms us. Problems pile up. Stress exceeds our limits. We're running as hard and fast as we can, way past redline, and our engine is about to blow up. We simply wouldn't mind if Jesus returned.

Then there are the times of suffering that can cause a human spirit to become weak. Whether the battle is with physical ailments, catastrophic illness, emotional distress, or some other malady, we can reach a point when we are ready to quit.

But maybe the most prevalent problem is the slow daily grind. Not one big disaster or even several medium-sized struggles, but the tiny nuisances that annoy us until we focus on nothing but the negatives in almost every area of life. In such times there seems to be no relief in sight. And we grow weary.

We don't know everything that may have been on the apostle Paul's mind when he wrote to the Philippians, but we can be certain, he faced some problems. And yet, he didn't look at the negative. In fact, he seemed to have some difficulty making up his mind.

“Hard choice! The desire to break camp here and be with Christ is powerful. Some days I can think of nothing better. But most days, because of what you are going through, I am sure that it's better for me to stick it out here.” (Philippians 1:23-24, The Message)

Now think about how that made the Philippians feel. At first glance, most people suppose he’s saying that because of them he had to stay. He couldn’t go to heaven. And surely no one would disagree that being in heaven would be preferable. But read that again.

“But most days, because of what you are going through, I am sure that it's better for me to stick it out here” (emphasis added).

Could Paul have been saying he’d be better off on Earth than in heaven? “I’d rather be in heaven, but you need me. I know that. And that’s why if it were my choice, it would be a tough call. I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place. I love Jesus, but I love you almost as much as I love him.”

To some that would be a stretch. I’m certain many theologians would pick apart my rendering. I have no doubt that others who love The Law and tend to enjoy little of the God’s grace would say I have no idea what I’m talking about. But they’d be missing the point. Entirely.

Sure, life is tough. Some days are worse than others. And there are seasons when many of us would check out of this world if we had the option. But overall, life is good. Almost as good as heaven. And Paul seems to suggest this. “Let’s see. Be with Jesus or be with you. Tough choice.” How would that make you feel? Hopefully encouraged, no matter what your circumstances.

If you’re tempted to believe otherwise, make a list and check it twice and see if God’s been naughty or nice to you.

I think taking an inventory of our blessings is a great way to end one year and begin another. It helps put our lives and circumstances in proper perspective. And it helps us focus on the positive, rather than the negative, for a fresh start.

Now, I’m not going to miss 2009. It wasn’t the best year of my life. But, I have a wife who still loves me in spite of my flaws. My soon-to-be teenaged daughter still thinks I’m okay, not her arch-nemesis. I have meaningful work. A house. A car. My bills are paid. I have more friends than I can count. I get to encourage other people. And those are just a few of my favorite things.

I'll have all eternity in heaven with God. I'm in hurry to get there. Besides, he’s here with me.