Paul "would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord." The great missionary loved living in his body, working for Jesus and helping others. But Paul knew that when death destroyed his body, Jesus would be waiting to welcome his soul home, and that thought thrilled him.

After Paul died, his spirit would exist without a body ("this tent") until he got a glorified body on resurrection day ("a building from God"). The thought of not having a body for awhile didn't appeal to Paul ("we do not wish to be unclothed"). But his misgivings about leaving his body behind were overwhelmed by his eagerness to be at home with his dear Lord.

If you trust and love Jesus, you can't lose. You will spend your time in the body gladly living for him on earth; and when you leave your body, your spirit will instantly be at home with the Lord in heaven. "To live is Christ, and to die is gain."

Does this mean that once you are a Christian, you will like the thought of dying? No, the possible pain of it may frighten you, and the thought of existing without a body may trouble you. But despite all that, dying is still gain, for the instant you die, your spirit will be with Jesus. Your suffering will be over, and you will be enjoying something so magnificent that no words can describe it.

PRAYER--Lord Jesus, I rejoice in you. Fill my life in this earthly body with fruitful, happy service to you and others, and help me see the great gain in dying and going home to you. Amen.