Key Verse: “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ—which is far better— but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.” (Philippians 1:21-24 CSB)
Everyone likes being in a no-lose scenario. Should I order the steak off the menu or the ribs? Should we go on family vacation to Hawaii or to the Grand Caymans Islands? Should I buy the BMW or the Mercedes? No matter which option you go with, it’s going to be a win for you either way. There’s no bad choice to make.
Sitting in prison, the Apostle Paul knew that his situation was going to play out in one of two ways. He would either eventually be released or he would die in prison. Either they would open the doors and let him go or they might come and chop off his head.
Looking at his situation at first glance, the better option might seem obvious to us. Who would want to die in prison? But from Paul’s perspective, this scenario presented a real dilemma for him. “I don’t know which one I should choose,” he wrote, “I am torn between the two” (v.22-23). Paul was hard-pressed to make up his mind as he considered the two possible outcomes.
While this might seem a little strange to us, Paul further explained his thinking on the matter. On the one hand, Paul wrote, “If I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me” (v.22). To be released from prison would mean the opportunity for Paul to continue ministering to others and helping them progress and grow in their faith In Jesus. This was what his life was now about – serving others for the sake of the gospel.
On the other hand, Paul also knew what awaited him beyond this life. “I long to depart and be with Christ – which is far better” (v.23), he said. Should the executioners arrive at his cell door, Paul knew where he was going. He would be ushered into the glorious presence of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. There clearly wasn’t any better option than that!
As Paul wrestled with these two outcomes – ongoing fruitful ministry or being in Christ’s presence – he came to his conclusion. “To remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake” (v.24), he said to them. As much as he wanted to be with Jesus, he knew that what the people needed most was his presence with them for a little longer. Once again, Paul chose the way of selfless humility.
As followers of Jesus, we have the privilege of the ultimate win-win scenario before us. Should our lives end today, because of our faith in Jesus Christ, we have the certain hope of being ushered immediately into His presence. There is nothing better than this! “What no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has conceived – God has prepared these things for those who love them” (1 Corinthians 2:9).
But should we be given another day to serve the Lord, we also have the privilege of entering into his kingdom work here on earth. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
It’s a choice between being with Jesus or serving fruitfully in His name. The first is clearly far better. But either way, you can’t lose.
Prayer: Jesus, I thank you for the certain hope that one day I will be in your glorious presence. There is nothing greater than this! While I wait for that day, help me to spend my life here on earth serving others in your name for their progress and joy in the faith. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
