BETWIXT AND BETWEEN

Philippians 1:21-24 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better: nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

The word betwixt is an archaic form of the word between. Both have practically the same meaning. When used together, they relate to an intermediate position meaning "neither altogether one or the other". Grammatically, it refers to the space that separates two thoughts or two things. In the lesson text, Paul's life was in a strait betwixt and between two conflicting points. He admitted that he wot not, or knew not which alternative would be better for all concerned - would it be better if he died or lived a longer life here on earth? If he were concerned only for personal gain, his desire was to depart, and to be with Christ in heaven. From a selfish point of view, this alternative would be far better for Paul, because, as noted in preceding verses 7 and 13, he was probably held captive in Rome by government authorities. Considering his present life on earth, death would have been welcomed to him.

In his second letter to Timothy, Paul said that, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness (2 Tim. 4:8). What a great reward awaited Paul in heaven. How much better would this fate be, than what he was experiencing as a prisoner in Rome. However, Paul recognized his labor for Christ on earth had not been completed. He realized it was needful for him to continue to live in the flesh because ...the fruit of my labor ...is more needful for you (the Philippians). Bible scholars seem to agree that the second letter to Timothy was written at least three years (and possibly up to 10 years) after Paul had written his letter to Philippians.

When he penned the subject letter to the church at Philippi, Paul recognized there was much work yet to be done for the cause of Christ. His mission on earth was not complete. Later on he wrote to Timothy regarding the approaching time of his death that he considered was near. He then stated firmly the mission for which he was called was completed. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

This Paul knew. The trial he faced before the Roman magistrates, would either allow him to continue living here on earth, or it would result in the penalty of death. Paul wrote: Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death (Phil. 1:20b). Paul was convinced that if he were permitted to live that he would spend the rest of his life on earth laboring in the vineyard of God, telling the world about eternal salvation that could be found only in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Paul also knew that his death, as a martyr, would continue to bring honor and glory to Christ as the promised Messiah, the Savior of the world. This could be said about the apostle Paul, and it can be said about every faithful Christian today. To live a life that glorifies Christ Jesus on earth, assures every Christian that Christ would be magnified in their death.

The strait in which all children of God are caught is not betwixt and between living here on earth or living in heaven. There can be no just comparison between the two. Certainly eternal life in heaven exceeds any other blessing of God. Rather every Christian is caught between the same strait as the apostle Paul - betwixt and between the desire to continue to live here on earth and continue to serve the cause of Christ, or the desire to die, ascend into heaven to be with Jesus, and receive the crown of righteousness laid up for every faithful Christian.

As it was with Paul, each Christian should gladly be willing to continue life on earth as long as their talents and abilities can be used effectively serving the cause of Christ. In doing so, will there be trials and tribulations? Yes! In proclaiming Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world, will we face much opposition? Yes! Will there be difficult "mountains to climb and rivers to ford," in our service to God, while living here on earth? Again, yes! Will it be worth it all? Definitely, yes! What a wonderful dilemma for a Christian: being caught betwixt and between serving God and the cause of Christ on earth, or joyously serving God as a fellow heir with Christ in heaven. It is impossible for the faithful, obedient Christian to lose!