LIVING AND DYING #
SCRIPTURE READING — PHILIPPIANS 1:12-26 #
When the weather is nice, my wife and I like spending evenings sitting on our balcony, where we can observe the night sky. When the moon is at its brightest phase, it provides us with a distinct and more in-depth perspective of the moon. In addition to this, it instils in us a fresh sense of gratitude toward our Creator.
Philippians 1:21 — For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.
Paul was aware that he could not alter his circumstances when he was writing to the Philippians from jail. However, he realised that the perspective he took on his position was the most important factor. Paul examined his life through the prism, or viewpoint, that Jesus had bestowed on him.
Paul set a goal for himself to consider the ways in which he might be most useful. He was able to share the good news about Jesus with the guards of the jail, and he was aware that the way he lived out his religion would have an effect on how they felt about it.
Although there were moments when he wished he could leave this world and be with the Lord in heaven, he was resolute in his goal to use his life to make other people’s lives better. Paul’s goal was to glorify Christ in all he did, including his writing and the way he interacted with others around him. Paul saw his life to be a game of two winners. To remain on the earth meant that more churches could be established, more Christians could be encouraged, and more people could come to know Jesus. And to pass away would indicate a complete and happy life spent at peace with the Lord in heaven.
The apostle Paul’s goal was to bring glory to God “whether by life or by death.”
Philippians 1:23 — I feel torn between the two, because I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far,
PRAYER #
Lord Jesus, show us how we might best bring people to a knowledge of you and assist others in doing so. In the middle of our days, grant us the fortitude to tell others about your experience. For your sake, may we see our lives as a win-win situation while we are serving you. Amen.
