Take Advantage of Your Win/Win Situation

Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Philippians 1:22, ” But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. “

Background

In the movie, When Harry Met Sally , the two main characters begin the story by sharing a ride back to New York after graduating from college. Over the next several years, they occasionally bump into one another and eventually become friends. After they become friends, their friendship takes some twists and turns until Harry finally realizes that he is in love with Sally. So on New Year’s Eve, Harry runs across town to the party that Sally is at to tell her this great news. And he says, ” When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible. ” It’s a wonderful expression of the victory that love had over his pride and his tendency towards the independence of being single. Paul, too, wrestled within himself over what to do with his love. He didn’t struggle between his stubborn pride and expressing his devotion to another, but he was torn between wanting to go be with his loving Savior and remaining here on earth to minister to his beloved flock. Harry was choosing between loneliness and happiness, while Paul was weighing the bliss that awaited him in heaven against the need and fulfillment that was his calling from God.

Application

For Harry, his choice was all or nothing. But Paul’s path was a win/win scenario. And so is ours. But not just when we consider life on earth versus eternal life in heaven. Every choice that presents itself is an opportunity for us to experience that win/win scenario. Refusing a temptation or choosing not to sin is not missing out or settling for nothing. It is, rather, another grace from God to taste victory and the joy of His good pleasure. It is another instance where we get to experience the truths of scripture and see firsthand the immeasurable power of an Almighty God. God gives us these little finish lines all throughout our days, that as we cross them He crowns us victorious again. We don’t have to wait until the end of life. Every good choice you make brings heaven right where you are.

Charge

As we seek Him today, look at your choices as the opportunity to experience the elation of victory and the joy of heaven. Ask God to direct your paths, and trust that He knows where you need to go.