“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.” Paul says in Philippians 1:23-24. Paul had two desires, and he was torn between the two. His first desire was to be with the Lord. He loved Him so much that He desired to be with Him in heaven. He knew that heaven with Jesus was the greatest reward.
However, his other desire was to stay on this earth and continue to serve the Lord. He knew that if he stayed on this earth then he could spread the gospel as far as he could. What a beautiful example of the Christian life. To be with Christ was Paul’s motivation for everything he did. His love for Christ was his driving force, just as a husband or wife’s love for one another should drive them to do things for each other. That motivation drove him to tell others about the Lord. When we love the Lord, we will share that love with everyone else.
So what is your desire? Are your desires for material things or do you desire spiritual things? Spend some time in prayer and ask God to help you desire spiritual things. May you grow in your love for the Lord!