A Rock and a Hard Place

 

Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 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. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.  (Philippians 1:18-26 ESV).

 

Yesterday I reference a verse in our reading today. After writing it, I thought I might need to give you the full context. Though brief, my explanation lies in the truth that I have adopted a truth along with John Piper, who has said, that this is the perfect example of a “Christian hedonist.” The upshot of all this is that like Paul, we all should be living “between a rock and a hard place.”

 

The Apostle Paul is calling his readers’ attention to the truth that for him to live means “fruitful labor” for him. He is recalling the joy that he has received in seeing them grow in the grace and knowledge of what he has taught and modeled for them. While I have no delusions that I may compare myself to the apostle, I have been able to experience the joy of seeing some transformed through the things I have been able to say and do through the last five decades of ministry. I have also been privileged to see my children and grandchildren progress in their faith. This is the “fruit of the labor.” Even when it hasn’t been particularly easy to follow that path, God has always kept His promise to “work it for good” (Romans 8:28). That makes me want to stay longer. That’s my “rock.”

 

The “hard place” is a bit more expansive. It is the promise of eternal life and heaven. Even the Apostle Paul, who did see it, had difficulty describing how wonderful it is. He said, “But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him’ — these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit” (1 Corinthians 2:9). That world, prepared for me and every believer, is so much more than this one… and this one is “good.” That is just “best.” Think of it… good here, and, best there. No wonder he was undecided what to want. It is not a death wish. It is eternal joy, from now to forever! I’m in on that party! Aren’t you? Fight hard to live for Christ; and, then we will be given the gain of heaven!