In a rather serious context, Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, said, “To be, or not to be, that is the question.” His words were uttered as Hamlet considered the value of life, and pondered whether life, with all of its troubles, might be less desirable than death. His was a very earthy view of human existence, with the value of life determined by the balance of things pleasant, against things unpleasant. Sadly, with these same surmisings, many have taken their lives when the unpleasantries stole away their will to live.
The Apostle Paul describes his own ponderings, quite similar to those of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, but with a totally different perspective. He said, …I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. (Philippians 1:23–24)” The circumstances of life were rather dismal when Paul wrote these words, he had been wrongfully imprisoned for doing good.
While many view life as their own, and the worth of life according to the abundance of pleasure, Paul viewed his life as belonging to the Lord who gave it. He encouraged his readers, “…ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1Corinthians 6:20)” To those who know God personally, He grants peace, and power, and purpose. His is a cause worth living for, and when He bids us come home, it is also worth dying for. God’s children can confidently say with the aged Apostle, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)”
Perhaps you would be interested in gaining this new perspective, to own a cause worth living, or dying for, to see nothing but brightness over the horizon when you face your eternal future. Such a life and outlook are available to you through Jesus Christ. He, the very Son of God, purchased your forgiveness on the cross of Calvary, so that you might be restored to God. By faith in His ability to save you, you can know God personally right now. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12)”