“For to me, living means Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.” – Phil. 1:21-24
Most people have tremendous fear of death. Perhaps part of that fear centers around not being privy to the details. The date and hour that moment comes? How is it going to happen? Will it be painful? Will my personal affairs be in order? What about my family, will they be taken care of? And a few of us without family might even ask, “Will I take my last breath alone? Will anyone even know?”
Paul expressed none of those concerns in his letter. Instead, he offered a powerful example of the centrality of Christ in the lives of believers. He affirmed that living a life committed to Christ is worth everything, and even in death, we have hope because we will be with Christ forever. According to Paul, our lives are not our own; our purpose is not self-fulfillment or personal gain, but rather fruitful labor for Christ.
Paul’s message to the Philippians calls us to continuously examine our priorities and decisions through the lens of our faith. Are we living for Christ, or for ourselves? Are we striving for what is truly best, even when it is difficult or scary?
Ultimately we can take comfort in the fact that, as Paul says, to die is gain. We can trust that even when life is uncertain, our hope in Christ remains steady and secure. May we seek to live our lives fully committed to Jesus, knowing that our labor in Him is never in vain.
A life committed to Christ isn’t without cares and concerns. That’s not what Paul is saying. Paul is basically asking us this: “Are you prepared to die? Because until you are, you’re not ready to live.”
Are you living today? If so, what are you living for?
Former Blackout Artist 