Chapter 1, Verse 24 “But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.“
Paul has weighed what is better for him against what is necessary for the Philippians. As far as his thinking went personally, it was far better for him to die. As far as his thinking for the church, it was more necessary for him to continue to live. Far better versus more necessary. Better does not win out over necessity. Paul was willing to forego his own want for their needs. This is the servants’ mind, the servant’s heart. God first, others second, me third, should be the Christian’s motto.
Has Paul prayed about this decision? We know he has been praying for the church at Philippi. We know that he has their heart. We know that he loves them and thinks of them as family. It’s inconceivable that such a decision as this, even though it wasn’t really his to make, would have been considered without asking God for guidance.
Task for Today: Do you encounter decisions that have better or necessary consequences? How do you approach them? How do you weigh the value of the decision in light of eternal consequences? Two ideas to help with difficult decisions. One, pray about it. Pray a lot about it. While you are praying, listen for an answer. Two, think of God first, others second, me third rule.
s
Philip Dampier's Blog 