For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again. [Philippians 1:21-26 NKJV]
Paul is referring back to his previous statement, "For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ." [Philippians 1:19 NKJV] In his captivity, Paul is facing two possible outcomes; martyrdom or deliverance.
Not only is Paul not afraid to die, he welcomes the prospect of death. This does not make him suicidal, simply free from the fear of death. Although dying is gain, he also sees the advantage of living, which is to continue to produce fruitful labor.
He says, "what I shall choose I cannot tell." There is a chance that this means the Spirit has actually given him the choice; death or life. But it is more likely that he is simply illustrating the his own attitude and desire, confident that the Lord has already made this choice for him. After his release, the Lord gave him another 5 or 6 years of ministry before he was, once again, arrested and beheaded.
We should not fear death because the fear of death is bondage;
Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. [Hebrews 2:14-15 NKJV]
Some people embrace death as a final option. In their despair, despondency and hopelessness, they view death as their only release from pain. This is not faith, and it is not the attitude that Paul demonstrated.
Our attitude toward death should be a hopeful anticipation based on faith. We are not seeking to be released from this life, but have a glorious expectation of being present with Christ.
Paul told us, "We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord." [2 Corinthians 5:8 NKJV] To be absent from the body is to be present with Christ. There is no "soul-sleep", while we wait for the resurrection. There is no purgatory where we suffer to pay for our sins while waiting to enter heaven. Jesus paid for our sins in full, and welcomes us into His presence. Those who die in Christ die in righteousness because He has made us righteous.
While we are eager to be with Jesus, we should not do anything to hasten our death, whether by our will or carelessness. As Paul said, "But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor."
If you are alive on earth, then the Lord has work for you to do. It may not be as grand as Paul's; planting churches and helping to establish the Christian church. You may only be called to touch one life. A single act of kindness from you may make all the difference to someone else. You may never know how God has used you in this life; until you stand before Him, and hear Him say, "Well done."
Lord, I thank you for the promise of eternal life in Your presence. I pray for the grace to redeem the time that I have left here on earth, that I may be able to produce good fruit for Your Kingdom.
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