Several years ago I read something that was rather sad. Some of you might remember Carl Sagan, a rather famous astronomer, and astrophysicist in the latter half of the 20th century, who was also an author and who made a very popular TV series that helped explain astronomy and outer space to the general population. He died in 1996 in his early 60’s. Though he had a brilliant mind, Carl Sagan had no belief in God. After he died, some people asked his widow if, as he lay dying of pneumonia, he ever turned to God or believed in an afterlife. She said that he didn’t, and that she would never see Carl again or be reunited. He believed that this life was all that there was, and afterwards there was no afterlife, nothing. How terrible to have no belief in the Savior or belief in an afterlife, and no hope of ever seeing one’s loved ones again.
This was not the case with the Apostle Paul. When he wrote this letter to the church in Philippi, he was in prison for his faith in the Lord Jesus, and he did not know what his fate might be. However, Paul knew that no matter what might happen, all was good. If he lived, that was good, as his life was in the hands of Jesus, and if he were to die, that would be even better, as he would be with Jesus (vs. 21).
For Paul, life was summed up in Jesus Christ. Jesus was his reason for living, and death would free him from earthly burdens, where he would spend eternity glorifying God. Paul’s entire purpose in life was to boldly speak forth God’s message to others, and to become more like Him each day. He disciplined himself, setting goals and priorities to glorify God.
If Paul lived longer, that would make it possible for him to preach Jesus and win more believers. Paul’s only reason for remaining in this world was to bring souls to Jesus, which was the fruit of his labor, and to teach them to do the same. Paul felt confident that this was what God had planned.
However, if Paul had his way, he would rather die and be with Jesus. This was not some sort of suicidal death-wish by any means. Paul was not suicidal or depressed. He knew, unlike Carl Sagan, that there was a life beyond this one, one that was far more glorious and wonderful than anything anyone could imagine. For Paul and all believers, death is a graduation to something better. It is a promotion to be in the presence of Jesus, and have perfect fellowship with Him.
As Paul sat in prison, not knowing what the result of each day might bring, he didn’t know which outcome he wanted more (vs. 22). Living was attractive because it has the possibility of preaching the Gospel to more people, and winning more souls for Jesus. Dying, though, would be a gain for him, because then he would be with Jesus. All of the trials and tribulations of life would be past, and he would have the glory of an eternity with God.
Paul knew, though, that his remaining alive, and especially if he were set free, would be more helpful for the Church (vs. 24-26). There was still more work to be done, more people who needed to hear the Gospel. So Paul yielded his personal desires in order to build up the Church.
The Apostle closed this passage with a reminder for us believers to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel (vs. 27). We are to have integrity, honesty, and morals. Believers all need to live their lives consistent with God’s Word.
In closing, I sadly think back to Carl Sagan, the astronomer, author, and TV personality who died with no hope of an afterlife, no hope of anything good. For those who don’t believe in God, life on earth is all there is, and they will strive for this world’s values. However, when they pass on into eternity, they will sadly find out that they were tragically wrong. Christians know that there is an eternal life in one place or the other. We should develop eternal values, and seek to tell others about Jesus.
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