stephen R Harrison

Philippians 1:22-23 reveals Paul’s efforts to advance the gospel and his desire to be in heaven. These verses also resolve his dilemma of staying alive to advance the gospel on earth or dying and being in heaven with Jesus. He knew the continuation of his life would result in fruit. While Paul would bear personal fruit from his life in Christ, he likely referred to more churches being planted and strengthened with more people believing the gospel message. This advancement wasn’t without adversity, as Paul faced many hardships because of the gospel. In 1 Corinthians 4:8-11, Paul wrote:

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our bodies the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our bodies. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.” 

Paul was torn between the two choices.  Fruit would come from continuing his earthly ministry. Still, his aspiration was “to depart and be with Christ, which is far better” (Philippians 1:23). Heaven and Jesus await those who trust in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:1; Philippians 3:20). What a worthy desire! While awaiting heaven, Paul understood that “to go on living in the body will mean fruitful labor for me” (v. 22).  Paul also knew that as he waited on the glory of heaven, he had an assignment to spread the gospel and plant churches. 

We can feel the pull of Paul’s dilemma in this life.  While we long to be in heaven with the glories and blessings that await us with Christ, we know and feel the urgency that the Lord has us on a mission to reach more people with the gospel so they, too, can go to heaven one day. Here’s a sobering reality that should heighten our urgency of living with the same intensity as Paul for the gospel: every day lived is one less day in this world to accomplish God’s purpose for our lives. Heaven will be eternal, and our earthly mission will be over once we are there. Because none of us know how many days we have left on this earth, we should be like Moses in Psalm 90:12, “Teach us to number our days so we may gain a heart of wisdom.”  May we gain wisdom from above to live out God’s Kingdom purpose for His glory to the fullest. May we match Paul’s desire to faithfully live on mission for Jesus and bear Kingdom fruit until He calls us heavenward. May we long for others to go to heaven as much as we long for heaven.