Christ will be exalted in my life. Philippians 1:20
Warren Wiersbe observed of our calling to magnify Christ,
“The stars are much bigger than the telescope, and yet the telescope magnifies them and brings them closer to the viewer. The believer’s life is like the telescope that brings Jesus closer to people. To the average person, Christ is a misty figure in history who lived centuries ago. But as the unsaved watch the believer through a crisis, they will see Jesus magnified and brought so much closer.”[1]
Look for opportunities to exalt Christ. But further, live surrendered to Him every day. And in your surrender to the Lordship of Christ, He will become very visible to others as you navigate through the fluctuations of life – especially through the difficulties.
For the Apostle Paul, exalting Christ made life and death a “win-win.” Whether by life or death, his desire was to make Christ visible to the world – to exalt Jesus in every way:
“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Philippians 1:20)
This is why Paul could say, “for me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Paul’s life trajectory was to boldly proclaim Jesus in every way. For him, he did not switch his passion for Christ on and off like a toggle switch, but instead made exalting Jesus his life’s aim. And, because making Jesus known was the ultimate passion, he knew this was possible in life or death. Therefore, Paul demonstrated for us the true “win-win” of the Christian life.
Today, live in the reality of your “win-win.” I would not have you to think any morbid thoughts of the brevity of this life, for we are the make the most of every moment. But, how reassuring it becomes for the believer to so live for the purpose of Christ in this life that the next would be gain.
This present moment and eternity are seamless for the follower of Jesus. So today, go forward passionately living for Christ. Make the most of this present moment for Him. Go in peace, for the number of our days are truly in God’s hands. And when this life ends, we can face that moment with joy, for to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
If you know Jesus, your life is indeed a “win-win.” Go forward in passion for Him and peace from Him.
Blessings.
[1] Warren Wiersbe, Devotions for Renewal and Joy (Colorado Springs: Honor Books, 2005), 81.
