Part III
Philippians 1:19-26
For I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
Reflections
Imagine for a moment you’re a first century Roman official, in charge of the prosecution of a prisoner by the name of Paul. Paul is a troublemaker because his worldview and his lifestyle have a tendency to stir entire communities to action. Paul is part of a new faction of “Christians” who are convinced that a Jewish man named Jesus Christ has saved them to eternal life by dying on a cross for their sins and, three days later, rising from the dead. You’ve attempted to reason with Paul, to get him and his friends to stop speaking so fervently about Jesus, to no avail. You’ve tried punishing Paul physically with beatings, but he has remained undeterred. In the Roman Empire it’s not uncommon to put someone to death if they are causing problems, and you’re thinking this might be the only remaining recourse available to silence Paul once and for all. How is Paul going to respond to the threat of death?
For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21
It’s one thing to say you believe that, in Christ, the life we will experience after death is indescribably superior to life here on earth; to live as though that’s true is a whole different matter. Most of us would prefer to live as long as possible and for our loved ones to do the same. I know I would. Paul considers his two options, living for Christ or dying for Christ, and he considers it a “win-win” situation! He says, “I am hard pressed between the two” (Philippians 1:23). His reasoning? Well, dying and being with Jesus is clearly his preference, since he states, “my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better” (Philippians 1:23). At the same time, Paul recognizes the opportunity he has for “fruitful labor” while he’s still alive. He’s aware that “to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account” (Philippians 1:24). In other words, Paul can’t wait to die and be with Jesus, but he’s willing to stick around for a while longer in order to be able to tell more people about Him.
Again, I tend to think and live just the opposite way. For some reason, the part of me that wants to stay here on this earth often overrides the part of me that wants to die and be with Jesus. This in spite of the fact that I’ve spent the better part of my life working to convince others to trust in Jesus as Savior so they can spend all eternity together with Him in heaven. I know in my mind that what is waiting for me after I die far outweighs my experience here on earth, and I really do believe it, but…not like Paul. Paul uses words like “eager expectation,” “hope,” and “full courage” to describe his mindset toward the possibility of dying. Wow.
This has been a tough week. A friend lost a child. Another mass shooting. Long days in the hospital. Our world is stained by sin and death abounds. Yes, there is joy and pleasure in this life, there’s no denying that, but I am weary from the weight of the pain and brokenness that surrounds me. More than ever my heart is resonating with Paul’s words:
For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21
I think it’s natural to have a fear of dying, which is why I’m so grateful to God for saving me. I can’t wait for the “gain” that is “far better” that Paul describes in his letter to the Philippians. I’m praying for God to help me not to have so much fear of death.
At the same time, like Paul, we all have “fruitful labor” to accomplish while we’re here on earth. Gospel labor. Paul says, “I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again” (Philippians 1:25-26). Paul cares deeply about the salvation and spiritual growth of others and wants his life to cause others to “glory in Christ Jesus.” While he eagerly awaits his arrival at his eternal home in heaven, he is aware that God will continue to use him to influence to help people find Jesus, and he’s eager to participate in God’s work. As he said:
For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21
To Consider
- Are you more eager to live as long as possible, or to die and be with Jesus? Why?
- What is the specific “fruitful labor” God has given you to accomplish? Where do you have the unique opportunity to leave a Gospel imprint?
- How confident are you in your salvation? Have you put your trust in Jesus?
To Do
Spend a few minutes today reading (try Isaiah 25:8-9 or Revelation 21:4-7) some of what the Bible has to say about our future in heaven. Ask God to help give you an appropriate desire for heaven, as well as a “fruitful” life of helping others find heaven as well.