"For to me mto 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." (Philippians 1:21-22)
Although Paul was desirous to be "absent from the body and present with the Lord" he in no way despised his time on earth and fully understood his duty to make good use of it. Echoing Paul's thoughts, Richard Baxter (1615-1691), wrote this:
"We are members of the world of of the Church, and must labor to do good to many; and therefore we have greater work to do on earth than merely securing our own salvation. We are entrusted with our Master's talents for His service, to do our best in our places, to propagate His truth and grace, to edify His Church, honor His cause, and promote the salvation of as many souls as we can. All this is to be done on earth, if we would secure the end of all in heaven." (Richard Baxter, Dying Thoughts, pg. 5)
Amen, brother Baxter.
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