To live is Christ, to die is gain.

21 For to me m to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 n I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is o to depart and p be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 q Convinced of this, r I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your s progress and t joy in the faith, 26 so that in me u you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. Philippians 1:21-26

I have been thinking about these verses for some time.  The more I read, the less I’m convinced that Paul was thinking which option was better.

Paul was definitely clear which option was better.  What immeasurable sweetness it must be for the Christian to see his Lord face to face!

Paul, in his decision-making, was concerned about necessity.  And necessity as a criterion revolved around doing what was best for others to the glory of God.

I thank God that Paul recognized necessity more than his  personal desire (his desire was not wrong by the way!).  It was the same Paul that endured imprisonment that the gospel would reach Rome and Caesar and to many parts of the Gentile world.

All for the glory of God.