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 Thoughts that Matter  

Today let’s consider the life of that great apostle Paul. He was used to pen much of the New Testament. God used him to take the message of the gospel to Rome and then the world. He was on fire, working for God and serving the church. At one point, his work load and the persecution he was receiving for doing God’s work became such a burden that he was thinking death might be a welcomed alternative. He revealed his emotional dilemma in Philippians 1:23-24 “I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better for me. But it is better for you if I continue to live.”

I believe that Paul was in a serious emotional struggle at that point. He was obviously thinking that death would bring personal relief and benefit; have you ever thought that? Likely you have at least had the thought if you have ever felt overworked or depressed. But remember yesterday’s lesson... you can’t think two thoughts at the same time, and neither could Paul. Did you see how Paul countered that thought? He countered it by choosing an intentional thought which involved  following the plan of God for his ministry. “It’s better for you if I live, better for you if I don’t give up.”

Yesterday we read where Jesus told Martha that her sister Mary had made the better choice. Here, we see that Paul had to make a similar decision. We don’t know how long he pondered the first thought, but just imagine how different things could be if he hadn’t intentionally made “the better choice” of continued service. The spread of the gospel wouldn’t have travelled to Europe, and ultimately wouldn’t have spread from there to our continent. You may have never heard the gospel if Paul hadn’t made the better choice! Choose His presence and His service today over any negative or burdensome thoughts.