"Now I am hard-pressed from two sides:  having the desire to depart and be with Christ - the much, much better, but to remain in the flesh is much better for your sake, and having been persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, and that your boasting in Jesus Christ may increase, along with mine while I am still with you."

Before you get on the "What an arrogant statement" train, look at Paul's words through the missional eyes of the church.

First, Paul recognizes the choice of Heaven or Earth as one that God makes.  If God is choosing to leave Paul on the planet, Paul knows that there is a mission for him.  To remain is to fulfill that mission - to live in the will of God.

But Paul's statement is also made to a family; his church.  Paul suggests that this family would not want to loose any member, and thus, it is better to stay so that their joy may be more complete.  A family that stays together...

This is a picture of a man, and a church, that knows the value of each person.

Is there value to your remaining?  Does God have a mission for us all?  If the answer is, 'yes' (and it is), how do we reflect that in our lives?