To Live is Christ

Philippians 1:21 ESV

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

“To live is Christ” What was Paul’s reason for his existence? To serve Jesus, to testify of Jesus, to preach Jesus, and to have Jesus live through him. Paul’s aim was to glorify Jesus. Paul was on a purpose driven life to live in Jesus and for Jesus to live through Paul’s words and ministry. He wanted no glory; he wanted all the glory to go to Jesus. Even now when we read his words over two thousand years later, we marvel at his level of commitment. Paul would rather us replicate Jesus in what we read in his words. For Paul, living meant serving, proclaiming the Gospel, and wanting Jesus to shine through him. In his statement, “to die is gain,” Paul wanted to live on to testify of Jesus, but leaving this life to be with Jesus was his ultimate goal and reward. Paul didn’t feel like he deserved anything, but more than anything, he wanted to be with Jesus, but he knew he had more work to do for the Kingdom of God.

Prayer:

Lord, that is our prayer this morning, that for us, life is about living in and for You. Use us greatly and mightily this morning, strengthen us for the ministry ahead of us. Give us vigilance and power through Your Holy Spirit to minister the Gospel to whoever we can, whenever we can. In your name Lord Jesus we ask, Amen!