Live well, die better

John Calvin said once that we should live our lives 'with one foot raised.'

He meant that Christians should be looking forward to departing this world to be with the Lord...'for that is much better.'

It's rather easy to long for eternal life with the Lord when we undergo hardship, trial, disappointment, etc. These things, as Calvin said, do serve us in weaning us off of this life. The ultimate test, however, is how much we long to gaze upon the Lord of Glory when everything in our lives here seems to be going well.

Seasons of blessing and peace are from the Lord. Even in joyous seasons, remembering that there is a war going on--and we are soldiers in that war--is vital to emerging victorious.

The temptation is there, when life is peaceful and full of joy, to relax and 'settle in.' We cannot forget that this is not home.

Home. 

When I was a little girl and I had an upcoming event--usually a birthday party--that I was excited about, I would often predict Jesus' return to be on date of the party. In my foolishness, I thought that Christ was then unable to come back on that day because 'no one knows the day or the hour.' Very foolish.

What is worse, though, is the fact that I wanted to go to a silly party more than I wanted to see the Lord. Absurd!

It is strange that we live in a world that is visual and physical, yet not reflective of reality. And the reality of the supernatural realm is there, but we have not been given eyes to see it...yet.

So we live, and enjoy, life...with one foot raised...every day thinking, 'This could be the day that my faith becomes sight.'

When I go don't cry for me

In my Father's arms I'll be

The wounds this world left on my soul

Will all be healed and I'll be whole

Sun and moon will be replaced

With the light of Jesus' face

And I will not be ashamed

For my Savior knows my name

All My Tears, Lyrics by Emmylou Harris