Living is Christ, Dying is Gain

Phil. 1:21-30

Paul's words, For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain, exemplified the way that he lived. He kept a loose grip on this life and all that entailed whether it was good fortune or imprisonment, but at the same time he was deeply concerned about the spiritual well-being of others. He would have been thrilled to go to heaven and be with Jesus, but he knew that he needed to minister to others for their progress and joy in the faith. So he sent a word to them so that whether he would see them in the flesh or not, they would know his heart for them. Only  let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that ...he would hear of them that they were standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. He wanted them to endure because persecution was coming. And this persecution did not mean that they were on the wrong path but the exact opposite. Persecution, suffering, trials were and are a part of the Christian life. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for Him. Yikes! I wonder if any of those believers thought they had just signed on for salvation not for this intense suffering or perhaps even death. Or maybe they thought like the Christians in Acts who said they rejoiced because they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ. Regardless, the Christian life is not an easy path to take, but Jesus promises to be with us each step of the way. He has given us His indwelling Spirit to guide, strengthen, lead, and comfort. So our attitude should be like Paul's, For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Father,

Thank You for those few simple words. It is not complex, but yet it is so very difficult. I ask that You give me Your grace and strength so that I might be worthy in my manner of life standing firm in one spirit unified with other believers for the faith of the gospel. Take away fear in any form. Help me to see clearly my choices and the implications of those choices.

In Jesus name,

Amen