What Shall I Choose

DEVOTION

PHILIPPIANS

WHAT SHALL I CHOOSE

Phil 1:18-26

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.
NIV

Paul certainly makes the case for a believer to desire to come to the end of this time on Earth to enter into the presence of our Lord and Savior. So often we can see believers struggling against all odds to stay here, to do whatever it takes to extend their lives. The question is why? For what reason should I endeavor to remain in this present state within the physical realm, the limited state of the human condition? When I examine the words of Paul I see he truly desires to leave and be with Christ, yet because of his love for the Lord and the deep desire to do God’s work he knows that should the Lord allow him to stay it is for a fruitful purpose and that purpose is not for his own gain, but for the benefit of others. Should I not examine my motives? Should I not look deep within my being? What is my purpose? If I am to stay here, in this human state should it not be for the fruitful labor for others? Should it not be for the service and glory of God? If not I might better just die and go to be with Him. I am convinced I am here because of my prayer in that Emergency room some years back. That prayer when I asked God if I could stay in order that Patty would not be alone. That I chose to stay with her because I was on my way to be with him, but I will continue with her for her progress and joy in the faith and through my being with her, her joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. And maybe, just maybe, a few others as well, thank you Lord for being so loving and kind to me.