The previous two verses are some of the most often quoted in this letter to the Philippians. But this week’s passage shows Paul’s heart perhaps even more clearly.

Take a look for yourself in Philippians 1:23-24:

Paul is very agitated. He knows that his time on earth may be short, and he fully expects that his imprisonment may not end well. But he also realizes that to live means that he will continue to preach the Gospel, and to die is to stand in the presence of Christ himself!

He is torn, and doesn’t know which to long for more.

In fact, in this passage, he makes the statement, “I am torn between the two.” This is a word that conveys the idea of being pulled strongly in two different directions, with pressure from two equally strong desires, causing Paul great agitation and anxiety.

It is clear, that if he is forced to chose between the two, his greater desire is to depart and stand before Jesus. The word “depart” is a military term, meaning to strike camp, or a nautical term, meaning to release the moorings and set the vessel free. Paul is ready to die. In fact, this is the more preferable outcome because of the end result. He would be ushered into the presence of God finally and eternally.

While Paul’s theology on what happens at death is sketchy, whether there is a period of waiting until Christ’s triumphant return or he is in the presence of God immediately, his point here is clear. It is better to be ready for death than to be able to understand the process fully.

However, Paul sees a more pressing need than for him to see Jesus. The Philippian people, and others, need him to remain. He senses here that his work on earth is not yet finished. Paul’s concern for others here is a foreshadowing of what he will state in Philippians 2:4, to look out for the interests of others above our own.

Paul’s foremost concern was for the health and welfare of the church, and this is displayed very clearly in 2 Corinthians 11:28. Paul knows that the churches need him for a while longer. If God chooses to leave Paul on this earth for a while longer, then so be it. He will continue to serve and spread the message of the gospel, providing instruction and encouragement to the believers in Philippi and elsewhere.

Paul’s sense of purpose is clear. Though he longs to be with Christ, he knows that death will eventually happen, one way or another. In the meantime, despite his strong desires to see Jesus face to face, he will continue to serve where God has placed him.

We need to take this lesson to heart. Too often, I hear people wish that they were somewhere else, doing something different that what God has called them to do right then, right there. As a result, we miss our purpose, we miss opportunities, and we miss seeing what God can do.

Though we may long for something different, we are called to be content in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in, something Paul is leading up to in 4:12.

As long as God leaves us here, we are to serve here. It’s that simple.

Question: Do you find yourself struggling to define your immediate purpose? Or do you strive to serve God no matter what, no matter where you are? You can leave a comment by clicking here.