Scripture
I'm torn between two desires: I long to go to be with Christ which would be far better for me. But for your sakes it is better that I continue to live.

Observation
Paul is so consumed with his love for Christ that it doesn't matter to him whether he dies or lives. To die means to be with Christ for ever. To live means the opportunity to continue to serve Christ.

Paul comes to the conclusion that he will live for a while longer because there is more for him to do.

Paul urges the Philippians to live as citizens of heaven- living in unity and in strength, even in suffering.

Application
Paul is very Christ-centred in all things. For him living and dying are all about Christ.

Most of us are very different to this. We are so caught up in the here and now that we can see very little other than the physical world.

Paul calls us to a higher vision. He urges us to see our whole existence- this life and eternity- as being focussed on Christ.

Our faith must go deeper than just a daily prayer for blessing. We must learn to put Christ at the centre of all we do.

Prayer

Father please help me to have the same clarity of visions as Paul. Help me to look to your eternal purposes in every part of my day. Amen.