I live in two worlds and have just moved from one to the other. Both homes have their attractions and their problems, and both demand my attention.
I love my Florida home because of the beauty, the weather, the theme parks, and the beaches. However, the greatest attraction is my daughter, her husband, and two granddaughters. What I don’t like about Florida is the heavy traffic and inconvenience of going anywhere. While I was away, both my refrigerator and my air-conditioner shut down. So, coming back to this house is not always pleasant.
I love my Oklahoma home because gas is cheap and everything is convenient. But the best thing about Oklahoma is that my son, his wife, and four children live there. I spent the summer at this home, and while I was there, I had to deal with a skunk infestation in my back yard. Neither home is perfect, but both call to me.
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul talks about living in two worlds. His worlds were heaven and earth, and, if you can believe it, he struggled about where he should live. He writes:
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.” (Philippians 1:21-24)
Paul’s words remind me that I am actually living in at least three worlds—Florida, Oklahoma, and Heaven. God has plans for me in all three.