This should be a question each of us should think about often. Most would rather ignore the facts and act as if it will never happen, but it will. What are some things you want to do before you die? The answers most give would include things like visiting specific places, doing a certain activity, or enjoying their family more. These may be fun and fulfilling to some measure, but they do not get the soul ready for death. The only thing that will get us ready for death is to think about the spiritual aspect of our lives. We need to understand that death is not the end, it is only the passing from one life to the next. The Bible teaches that we all live forever, and we will spend eternity in either Heaven or Hell. Since none of us know when we will die, we need to be always prepared.
In Philippians 2:17, Paul knows that his time is getting short. He is sitting in a Roman prison under house arrest and is not sure if he will ever be free, but he continues to proclaim the gospel, to encourage others to live for Christ. He is willing to die for the cause of Christ. He has offered himself in sacrifice and service so that others may know his Savior. He takes great joy in knowing that he has not served in vain. He had established the church at Philippi and is pleased with their love for God and others. Were they perfect? No, as you read through the book of Philippians you will find reminders to stay focused and rejoice in the Lord. You will find Paul thanking God for them and Paul’s attitude of pleasure when he thinks about them.
Philippians 2:17 “Yea, and if I am offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.”
Paul was ready to die because of the way he was living. He longed to be with Jesus, but In Philippians 1:23-24, Paul shows his distress. He is ready to die, ready to be with Jesus. He longs for the time he will be with Christ but understands that it is better for them that he lives. In I Timothy 4:6, one of his last letters he understands that his time is short. This imprisonment will result in his death, but he is ready.
Philippians 1:23-24 “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.”
II Timothy 4:6 “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.”
What a blessing it is to live a life that is surrendered to Christ. This is the only way you will be ready to die. Some have been deceived. They think everyone will go to Heaven when they die. Some think it is church membership, baptism, deeds of kindness toward others, or a zeal for a religion that gains them entrance to Heaven. The zeal for religion would have been Paul’s outlook before he met Jesus. He thought he was right in his quest to persecute the church of Jesus Christ, but he was wrong! He spent the rest of his life being grateful for his salvation. A well-educated man, a man of earthly opportunities, a man who was as influential as Paul could have professed Jesus as his Savior and continued his life seeking wealth and prestige, but his salvation was one that consumed him. Nothing mattered more than serving Christ by telling others. He lived for Christ and did all that he could to help others to be ready to die.
Where are you today? Are you one of those who profess Christ, but live your life much the same after conversion as you did before? Where is your passion? Is it in seeking the pleasures of this world? Are you looking at every situation in your life as an opportunity to share Christ? If you are ready to die this must be your outlook. No one knows when they will die, but it is a fact that we will die. Think about it, are you ready to die and stand before God?
