Note 37 at 2 Tim. 1:18: Contrast the actions of Onesiphorus with those of Phygellus and Hermogenes. Looking at these individuals nearly two thousand years later, it is easy to see who made the wiser choice. Onesiphorus was blessed by the Apostle Paul and written in scripture as one who remained faithful to Paul and to the Lord. In contrast, Phygellus and Hermogenes have the dubious distinction of being cowards and traitors of Paul.

It would help us in all our decisions to ask ourselves, "How will this decision be judged after I'm dead and gone?" If we would think like that, we would make many more noble decisions. All our fears are rooted in self-preservation. If we would remove self-preservation from our options, fear couldn't force us into acting contrary to what we know is right.