If you listen to people talk it won’t be long before you hear the passion of their lives. We all have things, people, or opportunities that are dear to our hearts. We all have someone or some possession that keeps us motivated to keep pressing forward. I love my family dearly and would die for them, but that is not my purpose for living. I find my purpose, the reason I have been left here on this earth, is to live for Christ.
In Philippians 1:21, Paul makes this statement about his life. “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Paul, after salvation, did not seek prestige, fortune, education, or pleasure. As a Jew that was also a Roman citizen, he had prestige and power. He was well educated, and all of his needs were met, yet, when he met Jesus, everything changed.
When he understood that without Christ he was doomed to hell, it gave him a great appreciation for all that Christ did to extend eternal life to him. The thought of Christ dying for his sins and loving him enough to extend salvation to him, brought feelings to Paul’s soul that caused him to long to be with Jesus. However, in verse 22 he tells us that as long as he is in the flesh, he wants to be used to spread the gospel. We see in verse 23 that he is torn in his desires. His desire is to be with Jesus, which is far better than remaining on this earth. I can almost hear a voice of resolution from verses 23-26. It’s as if he is talking to himself to sort out his feelings against his knowledge. In verse 24, he realizes it brings glory to God to stay the course of reaching others with the gospel than to die. Finally, in verse 25 he understands and conveys to us that God’s purpose is for him to preach the gospel. They need him for encouragement to move forward in their own faith. He longs for their joy to be full, for them to have an abundant life in serving Christ and reaching others. After reaching the resolution that it is needful for him to live on earth, he encourages them by telling them he is sure he will see them again.
Philippians 1:21-26 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is far better: Nevertheless, to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.”
Now it is time for you to stop and ask yourself the question. For what am I living? Do you want to live because the thought of leaving loved ones behind is painful? Is your desire to live fostered by a desire to get ahead in this world, accumulate as many possessions as possible, or make a name for yourself? Be honest with yourself and answer these questions. There is nothing wrong with loving our family and friends and enjoying life with them. God designed us that way. It’s also ok to work hard and have things, as long as those things are used for His glory, not just to prop up your own ego. However, as a Christian, everything about me should point toward Christ. My service to others, my use of the material goods God has blessed me with, the education I have, my faithfulness to the church and the things of God, should be a testimony to others that Jesus Christ is first in everything about me. He is first in my time, talent, money, and affections. If he truly is first in your life, then, you can say as Paul said, “ For me to live is Christ, but to die is gain.”
