“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21
One irreducible truth! One! To live for Christ!
This verse represents a personal reflection of the Apostle Paul on life and death. As he corresponded with his beloved fellow laborers in Philippi, and as he ministered to them from his pastoral influence, he revealed a struggle of his own heart concerning life and death. His words were not disturbing nor morbid about death, and his thoughts of this life were not about unnecessary attachments. He delicately and clearly articulated the opposition between death and life from his own perspective: “I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body” (Philippians 1:23-24).
Paul considered that great day to be face to face with Jesus, and in his own heart such thoughts elated Him beyond any attachment to this world. But Paul also thought about the “here and now” of his own journey of faith. He was joyful about his labor among the many churches he served. I Thessalonians 2:8 reflects such endearment: “Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.” His thoughts were also of the many opportunities God afforded him to see the Gospel advance, to witness lives changed, to know the maturation of young Christ-followers, and to celebrate the Christian conversion of many different lives in the Greco-Roman world.
Paul lived in the power of the Gospel. And, amid the physical struggles of sickness, fatigue, and persecution, he joyfully endured. Amid being ostracized, misunderstood, doubted, and rejected, the joy of laboring for Jesus was for him indescribable. So, for Paul, “to live” was indeed all about Jesus. And “to die” held the same unshakable perspective. Paul was no ascetic, nor was he overly attached to anything in this world (he was content in whatever circumstance, having much or little – Philippians 4:11-12). For Paul, it was truly “all about Jesus.”
Paul’s statement to his friends in Philippi reflected a joyful struggle between life and death, not a morbid consideration of life’s struggle with a desire to be removed from the agony of suffering. Paul saw abundant life working in both, although he confessed that to be with Christ would be much better (Philippians 1:23).
For Paul, regardless of the circumstance, there seemed to be this attitude of “win-win.” The human tendency is to always calculate the plus and minuses, the pros and cons, and the wins and losses. But for the person who truly lives for Jesus, the occasion of life is always win-win (meaning, that in death or life, Jesus is the priority, Philippians 1:20). For each of us, can we not conclude with Paul that to serve and live for Jesus in this world is indeed “spiritual fruitfulness” that we are blessed to experience? And can we not also agree with Paul that when this life ends, it will be so much better? So, our lives should not in any way be conditioned with morbid thoughts of suffering and death, nor overinflated with thoughts for the things of this world. Our lives should be fully conditioned with the joy of serving Jesus now, and the joy of being with Him forever. “Win-win.”
This perspective is not inconsiderate of the enormous struggles you are likely wrestling with right now. Nor does this perspective ignore the sacrifices many make every day living for Jesus. This perspective, borrowed from Paul, simply centers us on one irreducible truth. One! To live for Christ.
Today, ask God to intensify the joy of serving and living for Him. And, if you feel as if serving Him is an opportunity that has passed you by, simply look around. A God moment awaits those who are eager to serve Him. Find joy in the labor of the Gospel. Find joy in living for the Kingdom of Christ. And say with Paul, “for me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Blessings,
Ken
Read the entire first chapter of Philippians to catch a glimpse of a life that is truly centered on living for Jesus.
