“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life,” declared Samuel Johnson, “for there is in London all that life can afford.”
Dr. Johnson lived in the 18th century in—surprise!—England, so his view of London may have been a touch biased. But at the time, London was the apex of all this world had to offer. No other city had more diversions and distractions, and Britain’s industry, trade, and global reach seemed limitless.
We can’t truly know how satisfied Samuel Johnson was with all that he found in London. But in the words of the apostle Paul we can see the contrast between a life focused only on this world and one fixed on heaven. He seemingly had “lost” the world. Stuck in prison, Paul couldn’t enjoy the things we would typically call “the good life.” Death was a distinct possibility.
“To me,” he said, “living means living for Christ, and dying is even better” (Philippians 1:21). How could that be? Paul loved Jesus so much that he could hardly wait to be with Him. His words ring with excitement and passion. “But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ” (Philippians 1:22). “I’m torn between two desires” (Philippians 1:23). Paul went on to state that his motivation for staying on earth was to serve Jesus and put the needs of others before his own (Philippians 1:24).
It’s easy for us to cling tenaciously to wrong priorities. We can become so preoccupied with the “good” things this life has to offer that we miss the “far better” riches found in Christ. But Jesus says to us, “What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” (Mark 8:36).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 21:28-46
More:
What does James 4:13-17 reveal about our plans for life?
Next:
What makes you feel most alive? How can your deepest desires only be fulfilled in Jesus?
alli on September 2, 2013 at 7:35 am
What better way to be longing for heaven then to have a miserable time on earth. If things are well you have money in the bank thoughts of heaven rarely enter the mind u think your already there! But paul was in prison, yes you can be fruitful but i think of elderly or ppl whose families have died, they have little freedoms, opportunities for fruitfulness cease and are few and are seemingly waiting for God to come get them
tgustafs on September 2, 2013 at 8:28 am
Alli, your comment made me laugh and also gave me food for thought. We want our lives to be easy, but growth never comes from a life of ease.
I also remember my mother, late in life, telling me it was hard to wait for heaven. She was just weary, and so wanted to be with Jesus.
tom felten on September 3, 2013 at 8:42 am
It’s interesting that relationships are involved in both our desire to be with Jesus, which will be “even better,” and out heartache at saying goodbye to those we love on earth. As Peter wrote in 1 Peter 4:13, even as we suffer in this life—even in loss of those we love, joy awaits us!
mike wittmer on September 3, 2013 at 10:07 am
I have never been to London–want to go–but your words finger the tension that I feel in this life. I was just thinking about it this morning–those who live for this world will lose it, but those who live for something/Someone more than this world, will end up living here with that Person forever.