The apostle Paul is hard pressed whether to remain in this life in order to minister to the Phippian church or to depart and be with Christ, considering the possibility of being executed as a christian. This kind of already/not yet tension not only characterizes all creation (Romans 8:18-23), but it also describes our personal lives as well, issuing in a wisdom in seeking God, in assuring us of eternal life in Christ, and in appreciating the gifts and relationships the Lord has given to us in this life.