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NASB | Philippians 1:23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Philippians 1:23 But I am hard-pressed between the two. I have the desire to leave [this world] and be with Christ, for that is far, far better; |
Subject: Selfish or Self-interest? |
Bible Note: Dear Lionstrong, I am at a loss. Perhaps it is just my inability to comprehend, but doesn't the above (mysterious, anonymous, scholarly, verbose? :-) quotation kind of make the same point I made? I stated that self-interest (akin to self-awareness in Christ) was fine, but selfishness (self-focus) was sinful. I have said that I am not altruistic, and am aware of self-interest, but desire to put away selfishness. In any case, this part of the discussion is way over my head. As to whether it is better to stay here or go to heaven, the question is moot. We have no choice in the matter, unless we choose to end our life. (it would be hard to state a case for God causing us to commit suicide) So, Paul was being neither, but stating a hypothetical for the sake of encouraging the saints and explaining why he would 'go on.' Deeper than that is out of my league. Question: will you tell me someday who wrote the above? Finally, what do you think about our inability to pursue the Great Commission in heaven? Doesn't this give us incentive to want to stay here and serve Jesus? Blessings in Jesus' name, charis |