Flavil Miller wrote this short piece which appeared in the August 1, 1970 edition of the "Bible Herald" which was published by the Bible Heraled Corporation in Parkersburg, West Virginia.
It is said that one of the strongest physical forces is the desire to live. The newborn infant will fight valiantly for life. The older person will hold on to life tenaciously. The will to live has carried some men through almost a living hell. But this is as God intended it. It is Biblically right to desire to live. Paul desired to live for the sake of teaching and guiding the believers (Philippians 1:24). And though Jesus came to die, He yet wanted to live (Matthew 26:39).
But the Christian must not only want to live himself, but must want others to live also. Unless he saves others he himself cannot be saved. He therefore has one great commission in life, that is, "seeking and saving the lost." The commandments of Jesus to "Go" and "teach all nations" must be obeyed.
Not only must we desire to live and that others might live, we must want to live right. Jesus lived a life of self-denial and consecration completely above every sin of life. Our Lord knew that to really live was to deny oneself of those things usually associated with living (Matthew 10:39). As our example, we should follow in His steps to the best of our ability (John 10:27).
To live right is to live happy. Happiness comes from success or fulfillment. Happiness is never borne of frustration or disobedience. God designed us for a certain purpose, and we can never know true happiness until we have fulfilled this purpose. This is true of everything God willed in us. Whether it be worship and praise (Ecclesiates 12:13) or righteousness and service (James 1:27; Matthew 6:33).
And finally, I want to die in hope. All must finally die if Jesus continues to tarry (Hebrews 9:27). But how foolish to waste all opportunity for eternal life. Hope can be gained through obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 5:8-9; Revelation 2:10). This is a paradox to those ignorant of the Bible teaching on death (Phillipians 2:21-23). The Christian knows that spiritual death is the only thing to fear, for this simply means a spiritual sparation from God the giver of life. Therefore, come alive spiritually by being born of the water and Spirit (John 3:5). Through faith in God, repentance from sin (Luke 13:3), confession of faith in Christ (Matthew 10:32) and baptism into Christ (Romans 6:4; Galatians 3:27; Acts 2:38).
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