Why Not Just Say What You Think?
Philippians 1:22-24 says:
“If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.”
In the middle of this passage, Paul says he is “hard pressed” between two options. First, what are the options?
1. To live in the flesh (v.22).
Why? Because it “means fruitful labor.”
2. To depart and be with Christ (v.23)
Why? For it is “far better.”
Of course, it deserves time to define “in the flesh,” “depart and be with Christ,” and ask about the relationship between “far better” and “more necessary.” I definitely agree. But let me ask a different question: Why does Paul go through the trouble of explaining his dilemma to us? Why does he even inform the Philippians at all that he has two possible options? We know he chooses to “remain” (v.24-25). If Paul had made up his mind before he sent the letter to Philippi, why did he still feel the need to include the section where he struggles with the decision? Why go through the trouble of setting up the dilemma and causing us all to scratch our heads? Wouldn’t it make more sense to give a firm conviction of the decision and three points of reasoning to get there? How is it helpful to me to have Paul’s indecisiveness in my Bible? Why not just say what you think?
I think there are at least four reasons.
1. To lead the Philippians in showing honesty, transparency, and vulnerability.
It’s true, Paul could have merely stated his conclusion. But instead of appearing to never struggle with the issue, he gives us a glimpse into his mind to show that he doesn’t have everything figured out. It’s an encouragement to know that the greatest missionary ever (save Jesus) was unsure about God’s will for him; it means that we’re in good company when we feel the same way! It means that uncertainty of a decision is not the same as God forsaking us! And it teaches us to follow Paul’s pattern and be honest about our feelings, doubts, fears, and thoughts about the future. God wants us to humbly bring those things before him and other people.
2. To show the Philippians that motivation for personal gain is not bad.
Paul is a radical hedonist! Read verse 21 again! The reason Paul loves preaching and sharing Christ is because it brings him great joy. Similarly, the reason he longs for the next life is because he will be in the physical presence of the risen Christ and be thus more able to enjoy him forever. Since being with Christ is “far better” in Paul’s mind, we know Paul’s motivation here is increased joy and personal satisfaction. We too should pursue the one thing that will ultimately and most deeply satisfy our souls, namely, personal communion with the Savior of the world. As Henry Scougal said, “The worth and excellency of a soul is determined by the object of its affection.” Our souls are most excellent when they are most pleased with He who is the Creator and Definition of excellence.
3. To exhibit a logical decision-making process that uses God’s wisdom.
Let us not bifurcate heartfelt affections and the process of logical decision-making. Paul is clearly steeped in emotion. And at the same time, we see over and over again that he strings together logical arguments for his propositions. He gives reasons for what he believes. He uses the mind God has given him and seeks the most plausible, logical solution to his dilemma. The pattern is the same for us: our emotions are legitimate, and God also gives us wisdom to think logically about our lives. Don’t merely ask “How do I feel about this?” And don’t merely ask “What is the most logical solution?” The two come together in Paul’s mind, and we do well to follow his example in seeking to follow God’s will for our lives.
4. To set the stage for 2:1-7, that the Philippians might follow Christus exemplar.
Jesus Christ is foremostly our substitute, not our example. But he is also our example. The glorious hymn in Philippians 2 shows us the greatest act of humility that has ever been done. Christ set aside his own desires in order that we may have life. He said to the Father “Not my will, but yours be done,” as he prepared to make a way for us to be right with God. Thus, Paul sets aside his own desires (“to depart and be with Christ”) and resolves to “remain in the flesh” for the sake of the Philippians. Paul is willing to continue his labor in ministry to exalt God by building up the Philippian church. And we also are to set aside our own personal endeavors for the sake of others.
Where are you following your own wants? Where is God calling you to “in humility count others more significant than yourself” and “look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others”? We are freed and empowered to love and serve others because Christ first loved and served us. The cross is the declaration that the chains of our bondage are broken and at the same time the power to give our lives away in humble service.
“The gospel saves from self, to God, for the sake of others.”
-Jon Saunders, who probably stole it from someone else
