Laughing Through Life's Dilemmas

How many times have you heard people refer to someone's age by the color of their hair. It seems as we like to equate a lot of grey hair as being a sign of wisdom. Some of us may more like to think that's why we are turning grey. However, does the amount of grey hair we have on our head make life's dilemmas easier to face? You would think that as we get older, we would be more able to distinguish right and wrong. All those "years" of experience, certainly we should be able to breeze right through any problems we face with little thought or effort.

Well, unfortunately that's not the case. "While we do get older, … decisions don't get any easier. In fact, the situations we face as adults are often more grizzled and ill-defined than we are!"

There are always two sides to every dilemma we face in life. There are also advantages and disadvantages to both sides. No matter which side you choose, you usually end up losing something.

Charles Swindoll's study on Philippians called Laugh Again looks at three kinds of dilemmas:

1. Volitional Dilemmas: When we want to do two different things at the same time. E.g. As a young married couple, do you start a family right out of graduate school, or do you concentrate on your career?

2. Emotional Dilemmas: Conflicting feelings about a difficult situation. E.g. Deciding whether a long time family pet, who's contracts a painful disease in old age, should be left to die naturally or put to sleep?

3. Geographical Dilemmas: When we desire to be in two different places at the same time. E.g. Do I move to a new town for a better job/pay and leave my familiar surroundings for new ones or stay where I am?

A lot of the time when we are faced with these types of dilemmas, we remember the phrase, between a rock-and-a-hard-place. The Apostle Paul wrestled with these same types of dilemmas.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. (Philippians 1:21-24)

Paul was torn between going on and being with the Lord and staying where he was and serving Christ. In verse 22 he states "I do not know! I am torn between the two:…" Paul desired to be with God and at the same time he desired to stay on and see his brothers and sisters prosper in Christ.

When we are faced with dilemmas and we have to decide which way to go, we sometimes make up a list of "Pros" and "Cons". We hope by looking at all options on both sides of our situation, we can gain a clear picture of what route we need to take. This can be very useful; especially if either decision we make is the right one. A lot of times we have to just pray about our path and let the Lord decide for us.

At some point, we know that Paul got his answer and knew which path he was going to take.

Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. (vs 25, 26)

As much as he wanted to go on and be with Christ, he choose to stay and exemplify Christ to the Philippians by selflessly placing their needs above his own. Paul then moved right on in to doing the good work. He issued a challenge to the church to …

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. (vs 27-30)

Paul admonished the church to strive for proper conduct "in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." He asked them to strive for unity amongst themselves so that they would be able to stand firm. Paul knew that a church divided would not stand. He also knew if they were of one mind and spirit, that they would not fall.

I think it was as equally important that Paul reminded them of the fact that not only were they to believe on Christ, but that they were to also endure the suffering for Christ. Paul wanted them to be aware that they would run into suffering in their service, but take heart "since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now her that I have." they would make it through just like he had.

There are four reasons the Paul gives them to remember when conflict arises:

1. They are not alone
2. Ultimately the victory is theirs
3. Don't be alarmed by their opponents
4. Stand strong because the conflicts you face, Paul had already faced.

"Have you been hard-pressed by a dilemma lately? Are you being torn in two directions by a rock-and-a-hard-place decision? Choosing the best solution won't be easy. So put on your bifocals if you need them; muster all the wisdom you can from past experience; and don’t' forget to keep your commitment to Christ as strong, black and white, and well-defined as Paul's: "For to me, to live is Christ, to die is gain" (v.21)