Philippians 1:19-26 Here or There, It's All Good

Philippians 1:19 

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. 

"Daddy, can we go home now?"

In my selfishness, I'm ready to go.... I'm sick of my flesh; the sin and bad attitudes in me that I can't wait to be done away with...... I'm tired of the world's philosophies that are so contrary to His word. The idea of a permanent retirement in heaven with the One who gave Himself for me... no more tears or heartache... it melts me to the core.   Some days I look up and wonder .... like a little kid after a long day "Can't we go home now?"

Now imagine Paul saying this.  He would love nothing more than to be with Christ and leave this world.  Yet he is happy to stay if it's helpful to the family of God... but when he says that, he knows it means.... 'even if I am persecuted again', 'even if I have to go to jail again', 'even if I get shipwrecked or beaten with rods again'... 'if He wants me here to disciple and mentor others, I'm in'. 

If I am honest, most days, 'for me to live is me'. (cuts my heart as I type it) But 

if we are still here, there's a bigger purpose for it.  

Rather than whine, we need to focus on the eternal stuff... making disciples, encouraging the brothers and sisters (some of whom carry overwhelming burdens),  and becoming more like Christ. That's why we go to church. That's why we work where we do.  That's why we end up with people in our lives we'd never expect... He is in all that stuff here. 

 So if we get called home, we serve Him there. While we stay, we serve Him here.   It's a win/win.

When Paul says "for me, to live is Christ and to die is gain", he hasn't lost his marbles... he is just 'good' with whatever God chooses for his life... here (earth), or there (heaven)... it's all good.  When we desire His will above ours, it's all good because He is good and what He wants for us is good.  Stay here and serve.... it's good.   Go and be with Him ... it's good.  Even when it looks like it's bad...it's all good... cuz He is so good and what He wants for us is good.   Got it?   Good. Let's keep that in mind as we venture out today.

"It's All Good", by Joy Williams   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rti5OzB9wI4