Hamlet’s famous “To be or not to be” speech reveals how very hemmed in and limited he feels. Hamlet considers possibilities in his life and then discards them one by one. He can’t decide between living and dying and hates his life, wishing it were over so that he could sleep. And then he thinks in horror about the kinds of dreams he might have in death. He can’t decide if he should act on his own behalf or remain passive. Everything he considers turns to ash. He is truly unable to make a decision about what he should do, and in the end his life is taken from him.
Whenever I read Paul’s letter from prison to the Philippians, I am struck by his courage and his buoyancy. There he is, imprisoned in a Praetorian Guard barracks, clipped by the wrist to a soldier night and day. He can’t embark on any more missionary journeys or found any more churches. He can’t go out into the town and share the gospel anymore. You surely could not blame him for feeling that he has no scope for thought or action any longer.
But instead Paul is busy dictating letters and sending them out to his churches and friends. He’s sharing the gospel with the Praetorian Guards and converting them, too. He delights in letting others do the work of spreading the gospel while he is confined. Paul sits in his cell and considers: Should I go to Jesus and leave this world, or should I stay here and work for Him? Although imprisoned, he feels great freedom as he considers his future. He knows that no matter what that future holds, it’s a win-win for him. Whether he goes to Jesus or works for Him on earth, it’s all glory for Paul.
Consider the contrast between the Danish prince and the Roman prisoner. One is free but feels tremendous limitation. The other is confined but finds freedom in Christ. I know which one I admire and love and want to emulate. What about you?