The choice Paul is looking at is to either live on earth or live in heaven. He is assured that Heaven is the place of freedom and joy, and he is also assured there is a need for workers on this earth to help people focus and achieve a relationship with God.

I do not think he even attempts to choose anything here in this instance. I think Paul is just acknowledging the sovereignty of God's choice.

So he is basically saying to the people of Phillipi, "I am going to be happy wherever God places me, no matter the location, but because God's Will is where I like to be"

It is all about obedience. I am glad Paul has laid out 8 filters later on toward the end of the chapter to help me see the decisions God wants me to make to stay in His Will. Being obedient to Him by focusing on His teachings will bring me that peace that I am in His Will.

23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

I long to be with my savior just as anyone does. However God's timing is his timing. As long as I am here on this earth I have work to do. As Paul says that work will be fruitful, but only if I remain in God's will and timing.

I was just remembering Romans 12:1-2 And how Paul tells us to to offer ourselves completely to God. That is what we must due while in this life working for Him. As Christ transforms us into His image, God’s will and the work we have to to in this life is revealed to us.

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